A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT:

A few random tips for everyday: The weather is getting cooler, a lot cooler so here is trick to keep your cold feet warm:

Sprinkle a small amount of ground cayenne pepper in your socks and shoes. To keep your gym bag, or running shoes smelling fresh, try a Fresh Wave Pearl Pack.  Each jar contains 5 packs, containing odor neutralizing beads. Better yet 1 pack will last for 25 days.

Here is the link to their website: http://www.fresh-wave.com/index.html

Stressed out???  Try some Green tea, not only does it contain antioxidants but it also contains L-theanine, which is an amino acid that is found to help fight stress.

Ways to avoid gym germs: Wash your hands before and after you workout. Wipe down everything, including the gym mats (if you forgot to bring your own) before and after use. Please, please cover up any cuts on your skin. Wear flip flops in the shower as well as in changing rooms.

Trying to save money at the supermarket: ask for a rain check.  If an on-sale item is sold out, ask the store manager for a slip of paper that will let you purchase the item at the discounted price once it’s back in stock.  Don’t eat anything containing high fructose corn syrup.  Eat as close nature as you can.  If your great- great grandmother would not recognize it, don’t eat it.

If your eyes are a little puffy, drinking 2-3 glasses of cranberry juice ( concentrated cranberry, not the sugary supermarket stuff) will help prevent this. Why?  It acts as a diuretic. It is also very good in preventing UTI’s.  Pencil your workouts in your diary like you would a doctor’s appointment.   Yes, workouts are that important and you are worth it.  Don’t wait until tomorrow, or Monday to start. Start today, start now. Have a plan before entering the gym. Write out your routine, tear exercise routines out of your favorite fitness magazine and take it to the gym.  Don’t wait, just do it.  Treat yourself to a massage. Your body will thank you.

RUNNING INJURIES: A FEW TIPS

As runners we are bound to experience a few aches and pains sometime during our training. But there are precautions we can take to stop these pesky problems in there tracks. If you already have an injury, these same tips can prevent them from getting worse.

Sesamoiditis

The first is Sesamoiditis, this is pain under the first metatarsal bone. This can occur if you increase your mileage, or if you been including hill work or sprinting, basically any activity where you are running on the ball of your foot. I am speaking from personal experience, and this is painful. The key is to take the pressure off the area. I knew something did not feel right, so immediately I made an appointment to see a Foot and Ankle specialist but before doing this I stopped all high impact activity for 7 days. After taking x-rays of my feet, I was fitted for orthotics, but until I received them, they made a foot wrap specific to my issue to wear in the meantime. I have to say the orthotics are wonderful, I wear them all the time and I have been able to run with no more issues.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury; and this is also one of the most common problem areas for runners. Many times our bodies will give us a warning sign,  before this injury occurs, such as a dull ache or stiffness either during or after our runs and if we are able to listen to our bodies and take the needed steps, we can prevent further damage. Here are a few causes of this injury, an overworked or overstretched Achilles, tight calf muscles, uphill running, speed work, adding miles too soon, or not enough cushion or support in the heel of your running shoes. Once you start feeling any pain in your Achilles, stop running and rest, and ice the area. Often times arch supports will help and stretching the muscles of the calf and massage will help in a few cases.

Shin Splints

This is another overuse injury, which is often felt as pain in the inner part of the front of the lower leg. The pain is felt normally during and after runs. Here are a few causes of this injury, training too much, too fast and too long, as well as tight calf muscles and Achilles, worn out shoes and over pronation. To help prevent and treat this condition you can replace your shoes, run on softer surfaces, massage the muscles on the inside of the shin and stretch the calf muscles along with strengthening exercises for the calves and shins.

Blisters

Blisters can appear anywhere on your foot, and they are caused by a repetitive friction on a certain point. Blisters develop where your shoes or socks rub against your skin, wearing shoes that are too small or tight, or if your feet sweat a lot. To prevent blisters, make sure your shoes fit properly, spread a little petroleum jelly or put moleskin or athletic tape  on any blister prone areas.

Black Toenails

This occurs when your shoe is too tight or when your toe (normally the longest one), makes contact with the front of the shoe, resulting in pressure on the toe pushing the nail into the nail bed causing bruising ( bleeding under the toenail). If it is not too painful you might not have to do anything, the nail will eventually fall off. But if the pressure is causing a lot pain then seek medical attention. In order to prevent this from happening, make sure your shoes fit properly.

Ingrown Toenails

This is a result of cutting your toenails too short or your shoes place a lot of pressure on your toenails. You can prevent this by cutting your toenails straight across and also by buying shoes that do not put pressure on your toes.

Side Stitches

According to scientists these are caused by the ligaments in the abdomen being overstretched and these normally occur on the right side of the body. You can deal with stitches by slowing down and or holding your side and adding a little pressure to it. Or by placing your hands on your head and jog, my high school PE teacher always told us to do this and it does work. These are just a few injury coping and preventions tips I find helpful. As always consult your physician if your injury persists.