wendy@orlandowomenrunners.com    
Tips & Bananas

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Eat to run.  Don't starve yourself.  Have at least a banana 1-2 hours before your run.

Wear the right clothes.  Having the right clothes will make you feel more comfortable. Adjust for the temperature and have clothes that fit you rather than making it pretty.

Give way to dogs.  Give the pooches the space and run around them or simply avoid them.  Dogs get excited seeing runners so it's better to keep your distance.

Jogging Strollers.  If you have kids don't let the miles fall off.  Get a jogging stroller on Craigslist used for less than $50.  Now you can run and spend time with your kiddos!

Don't run with a cold.  Running with a cold just extends it and potentially can lead to further health risks.  Take this opportunity to rest and then come out and run with us.

You must sleep.  Try to get 7-8 hours a sleep.  I know that's hard but it's as important as running itself.  Your runs will be more effective with a good night sleep.

Stretch.  5-10 minutes of stretching will save you days of feeling achy.  It will also protect you from straining your muscles.

New Shoes.  Get the best shoes you can afford.  I used to buy cheapie shoes and now I'm paying for it physically.  Getting into new shoes will protect your body and make you run better.  Switch shoes at least 2-3 times a year.

Make it a habit.  Try running or walking 3 times a week.

Be patient.  If you are new or even a seasoned pro, please be patient with yourself and others.

Run with a friend.  Runs are so much more fun when you have a friend running next to you.  It's good for the heart and soul.

Just have fun.  Need I say more?


NEW GPS REVIEW - UNBIASED REVIEW... Nobody got paid

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS

Running Tip -
Know where you are going!

OWR Wendy:  I purchased my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS just before Christmas last year after saying to my husband, “wouldn’t it be cool if there was something out there... like a watch that can tell how far you went and where you ran?” and like a know-it-all he said sarcastically, “yeah, like the Garmin, duh?” – huh?  I had no idea!  I've used those $20 pedometers from Target and Sports Authority but they were never accurate.  If I wanted accurate mileage I'd drive my car around my running course.  Once I established a running route that I measured the distance, I quickly bored of it but forced myself to run the route since I knew the mileage.  So with technology for the heavens, a rocket scientist(s) took a satellite, watch, and pedometer and put them together.  Wooweee.

That's what I needed.  A GPS watch.  GPS means Global Positioning System and it allows satellites to measure your distance, speed, and course.  After checking out all the reviews I decided to invest in the Garmin 305 with heart rate monitor.  I got mine at the Costco in Winter Park, FL for $149. 

Heart rate monitor.  I'm amazed the Garmin also has a wireless chest heart rate monitor.  It's pretty accurate and while I was shopping, I noticed that many wireless watch stand-alone heart rate monitors easily were in the $100-$200 range.  This was really a nice bonus.

What are my benefits with the Garmin 305 GPS?

1.  I know my running distance within 100 to 300 ft.  That's very accurate.

2.  I have average speed and total time displayed at the same time.

3.  Fun things such as gradient and calories burned.

4.  Keep track of your routes on the GPS and computer (it has software for logging your runs).

5.  Heart rate monitor that is integrated and wireless.

6.  It sets me free.  I can run anywhere and know how I am doing.  I don't feel like I'm counting down the miles.  It allows me to focus on the run and enjoy the music.

In summary, I can’t imagine running without my Garmin 305 GPS!  I love being able to program the watch so that I can see what matters most to me (time run, distance run, average pace, heart rate) and seeing my exact distance is motivating and helps keep me going.  I highly recommend the 305 to anyone.

Check out these reviews on Google products

 

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Fitness Magazine.  OWR very own Alinda Ramos shares her running triumphs - Fitness Magazine