Training Advice Archives

6 Signs You Need to Take a Day Off from Running

Take a day off from running if you exhibit one of these 6 signs

If you are a regular runner, you know how you can get stuck in a rut during training. Perhaps you skip your rest day thinking you can get ahead. You may train longer and eat healthier, but you are not getting any faster or stronger. Sounds like you’re overtraining. Rest days are vital and the key to preventing overtraining. By overtraining, your body doesn’t have the opportunity to recover. This results in getting stuck into the black hole called overtraining. Check for these 6 signs to see if you need to take a day off from running.

6 signs you need a rest day

1. Tired

If you feel exhausted, sore, or fatigued even after getting 7-8 hours of sleep, take a rest for a day or two. This will aid in your body’s recovery process and give your muscles a chance to heal. In addition to a rest day, follow these tips that’ll help you balance life and training better.

2. Not sleeping

You need a rest day if you still feel fatigued after 7-8 hours of sleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping, it is a sign that your nervous system is working overtime. Lack of proper sleep results in poor performance. It could also inhibit the conversion of carbs to glycogen. Avoid scrolling on your phone before bed. Establish and follow a bedtime routine to signify to your body it’s time to sleep.

3. Dehydrated

If you feel super thirsty constantly or the color of your urine is dark yellow, it is a sure sign of dehydration. Exhausted adrenal glands start releasing cortisol, also called the stress hormone, resulting in an increased demand for water. Without proper hydration, the body reaches catabolic state, a condition that can include extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and sleeplessness.

4. Sluggish during run

Every runner experiences a bad workout every now and then. If you feel weak and slow during several workouts, it is a red flag. Your body may not be getting time to recover making you feel fatigued and tired.

5. Mental burnout

Mental exhaustion is a major symptom of overtraining. Though it is normal to feel like not working out every once in a while, if this becomes regular it may indicate a deep physical and mental burnout. Your body is so worn out that your desire to run may not be as high as it normally is. Running can reduce your stress, but it can also increase anxiety if you don’t take a rest day.

You need a rest day if you experience burnout from overtraining.

6. Abnormal heart rate

An elevated or reduced heart rate is also an indication of exercise-related stress. If your body isn’t responding how it normally does then you need to take a day or two off from running. If it persists you need to visit your doctor. Pro tip: become a more efficient runner with this advice on how to breathe properly.

Rest is extremely beneficial

Remember, rest and recovery are great for your body. They provide the opportunity for you to make mental and physical repairs. Take your rest days and make sure you’re sleeping well. Pair that with proper nutrition and hydration and you’ll breeze through your training. Remember, if you experience these red flags your body is telling you to take a day off from running.

Race to Wellness: Master Pre and Post-Race Nutrition with H-E-B’s Expert Dietitian Tips

in Blog post, Sponsorship, Training Advice

Embarking on a wellness journey, especially as you prepare for an event like the Austin Marathon, combines the thrill of physical training with the importance of holistic nutrition. In this blog, we delve into the crucial aspects of pre and post-race nutrition, offering valuable tips and insights to enhance your experience. With the expert guidance of an H-E-B Dietitian, we’ll explore tailored dietary strategies that can significantly boost your performance and recovery.

Whether you’re gearing up for a race or seeking to improve your overall fitness, understanding pre and post-race fueling is crucial. Let’s dive into our H-E-B Dietitian recommendations and share some of their favorite products to meet these goals.

Before Your Race

H‑E‑B Frozen Multigrain Waffles

For endurance-type activities, carbohydrates serve as the foundation of your diet. They provide the main source of energy for both your body and brain. To prepare your body for longer periods of physical activity, start thinking about carbohydrate loading 1-2 days before your run. Aim for whole grain and starchy vegetables, like waffles or pancakes at breakfast and sweet potato, pasta, or rice at lunch and dinner. Oats, cereals, and fruit pouches make for great snacks and you can even enjoy orange juice during this prep period.

Carbohydrate Goal for 1-2 Days Before Your Race: Aim for 4.5-5.5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight each day. For instance, a 150-pound individual should target approximately 675-825 grams of carbohydrates daily.

H‑E‑B 10g Protein Instant Oatmeal – Strawberries & Cream

Keep these same carbohydrate sources in mind as you jump into race mode on the big day. One or two hours before your run, you’ll want to fuel yourself with a quick source of carbohydrates, like a bagel with jam and banana slices.

Carbohydrate Goal 1-2 hours before: 0.5-1.0 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. This looks likes some 75-
100 grams of carbohydrate for someone weighing 150 pounds.

Favorite Products: H-E-B Frozen Multigrain Waffles and H-E-B Protein Instant Oatmeal varieties

What to Eat After

H‑E‑B Organics Chickpea Elbow Pasta

You’ve just finished your race, congratulations! Now there’s just a small race to fuel your body after all that hard work. In the 24-48 hour period after your race, you’ll want to fuel with the right combination of foods to help replenish glycogen stores, support muscle repair and build, and recover lost electrolytes.

Carbohydrate Goal 24-48 hours after: three times more carbohydrate than protein per your usual intake.

Favorite Products: H-E-B Organics Whole Wheat pasta varieties or H-E-B Organics Chickpea, Red or Yellow Lentil pasta varieties if you’re looking for a gluten free option.

What About Protein and Fat?

H‑E‑B Organics Whole Wheat Penne Rigate

While focusing on carbohydrates is crucial, it’s important not to overlook the other essential macronutrients: protein and fat. It’s easy to forget about the other two macronutrients when so much of fueling involves balancing your carbohydrate intake. But a solid high-quality protein plan will help prevent muscle breakdown and enable muscle repair. In the case of endurance activities like marathon running, your body will eventually burn protein for energy.

Pair your carbohydrate-loaded meals with protein foods like lean cuts of meat, tofu, and beans and legumes. In the case of fat, you’ll want to swap smartly. As you increase your carbohydrate intake prior to a run, your fat intake will drop. Think about swapping butter or avocado slices on your morning toast for an extra slice of toast.

Meal Planning

H‑E‑B Stride Strawberry Kiwi Recovery Drink

For just $45, you can book a 30-minute Meal Planning session with an H-E-B Dietitian, tailored specifically to your dietary needs and goals.

Ideal for both individuals and families, this session offers a gateway to healthful, realistic, and scientifically-backed nutrition plans. Athletes, in particular, will find value as the session dives deep into dietary considerations vital for optimal performance. Your dietitian will tailor a meal plan to suit your taste preferences, cooking style, and cultural nuances, all while accommodating any dietary restrictions. The result? A one-week personalized meal guide, complete with delectable recipes and a handy shopping list, ensuring your meals are as enjoyable as they are nourishing.

In summary, the journey to peak athletic performance is as much about what you eat as it is about how you train. Proper nutrition, specifically tailored to the demands of your physical activities, is key to unlocking your full potential. From carbohydrate loading before a race to replenishing your body with the right balance of nutrients afterward, every meal plays a critical role in your performance and recovery.

Remember, it’s not just about the quantity of the food you consume, but the quality as well. Balancing carbohydrates with high-quality proteins and smart fat choices ensures your body gets the comprehensive support it needs. This is where the expertise of an H-E-B Dietitian becomes invaluable. By booking a personalized meal planning session, you gain access to customized advice and meal solutions that cater to your unique dietary needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer at the Austin Marathon, investing in a consultation with an H-E-B Dietitian can be a game-changer. It will not only assist in fine-tuning your diet for optimal endurance and performance but also ensure that your meals are enjoyable, nutritious, and aligned with your specific health and wellness goals as a marathon runner. Fuel your body right, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

To learn more about H-E-B Wellness Dietitian Services, which are available both in-person and virtually, visit our website https://www.heb.com/wellness or call (855) 805-9355.

What is a Base Run?

in Blog post, Training Advice

A base run is a short to medium-length run at your relaxed, natural pace. It is the most common type of run in a marathon training plan, and it is essential for building aerobic capacity, endurance, and running efficiency.

How to Prevent Running Injuries: A Guide for the Austin Marathon