StrideBox

10 Simple Steps For Beginning Runners To Train For Their First 5k.

Here are ten tips for beginners to help you prepare for your first 5k:

Start slow and set achievable goals for yourself. Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you may risk injury.
Build up your endurance gradually. Try to increase your running distance and time gradually over several weeks or months.
Invest in a good pair of running shoes that fit your feet properly. This will help to prevent injuries and keep you comfortable while running.
Plan your training schedule and stick to it. Set aside time each week to train, and make sure to include a mix of running and other types of exercise, such as strength training and stretching.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your runs to keep your body properly hydrated.
Listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort, slow down or stop and rest. It’s better to take a break and recover than to push yourself too hard and risk injury.
Find a running buddy or join a running group. Having someone to run with can help to keep you motivated and accountable.
Don’t be afraid to walk. If you need to take a break and walk for a bit, that’s okay. Just remember to start running again when you’re ready.
Celebrate your accomplishments. Every time you run a little farther or a little faster, give yourself a pat on the back.
Remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Even experienced runners were beginners once, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see progress right away. Keep pushing yourself and you will improve over time.

Benefits Of A Good Running Log And Training Journal

Most of us have trained for an event at one part in our lives. Maybe we’re trying to complete a half or full marathon, or maybe just lose a few pounds and get in better shape. Chances are if you’ve ever taken your training seriously you’ve used a training journal or a training log.

Running Log or Training Journal?
The main difference between training journals and training logs, is what you document in them after each workout or day, etc. Training journals are just that. They are more of a journal rather than a log. Think of a journal like a diary of your training life. They will normally include things like mental health and how you felt during the day or your workout. They can reach a bit into some statistical information but this is normally saved for a training log.

Training logs are generally created of off some kind of a template. For example. Everyday you fill out a form that has the same fields. Things like current weight, daily workout, diet information, are all things that can be put in a training Log on a day to day basis.

I wouldn’t recommend going all one route or all the other, both journaling and logging are important to keep an effective history of your past. I’ve found out through experience and that for convenience sake it’s nice to have two combined together in some way. This way it’s always easy to remember to do both.

Benefits of recording your training
The number one benefit of recoding your training is to have a detailed history to look back on. This can be very useful in times of planning. For example to figure out what has worked for you and what hasn’t. It’s very useful for figuring out reasons for injuries or for times of burnout.

Have you ever sat down and tried to plan out training with nothing to work with? If you have something to look back upon a detailed account of what you’ve done over the past few weeks it’s easy to plan ahead, and to effectively increase your workout intensity, etc to improve for the future.

A detailed journal is also really nice to have just for personal use, and to be able to look back on past months and years, to remember different accounts and enjoy reliving the journey you took toward your training goals.

One of our favorite training journals is the Believe Journal by Lauren Fleshman. It’s a great guided journal no matter what you are training for.

StrideBox And COVID-19

Hello Runner,

Yes, we are still shipping!

In the wake of the global outbreak of COVID-19, we are all experiencing changes that may impact consumer demand and affect our business.

Currently, our fulfillment and shipping processes are operating normally and on schedule. Some of our vendors and incoming supply lines have been disrupted, but this has only been a minor issue. Should there be any changes in our production lines or timeframes, we will let you know.

We made a specific decision almost a year ago to work remotely as a team. This means, we have been remote (other than fulfillment) since long before this National issue.

All of our shipments are handled by the United States Postal Service. They have their frequently updated COVID-19 information Here.

From our entire team at StrideBox, we’d like you to know that we value your loyalty now more than ever. Please be safe during this time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at service@stridebox.com. We are all in this together.

Just Keep Running,
James and The StrideBox Team

What Do Olympians Eat?

It was a somewhat quiet week here at StrideBox HQ, but we’re ready for the weekend… so here it is, this weeks FAST FIVE…

1. What To Watch This Weekend: US Indoor Track Championships
After the Milrose games earlier this year, we’ve become big fans of the Indoor Track scene, and this weekend is sure to delight with the US Indoor Championships in New Mexico. This event chooses the team for next months World Indoor Championships in the UK. You can check out the participant list, watch on NBC Sports Gold, or get your tickets to attend.

2. How Many Calories Are Winter Olympians Eating?
At StrideBox, we are always interested in what, and how much athletes of all kinds are eating, so when we saw this article and graphic showcasing how much Winter olympians were eating, we can’t help but be obsessed. Some are eating as few as 1300… others are eating 7000+. Check it out here.

3. Have You Heard Of The Motigo App?
The Motigo App has been around for a couple years, but recently it has been becoming much more popular and partnering with many races including the 2018 Big Sur, and the Marine Corps Marathon. The best thing about this app is that your friends and family can record sayings and motivation for you that will play at a certain mile in the race. For The Marine Corps Historic Half, participants will get messages about the history of the Marine Corps and the race.

4. Can “Carb-Rinsing” increase your performance?
There’s been a lot of debate about the practice and efficacy of “Carb Rinsing”or swishing a carbohydrate rinse in your mouth immediately before performing activity. A recent study shows that carb-rinsing increased performance in the test group in many areas including jumping height, bench pressing, and sprint times. Some say that the effect is all placebo, but in this competitive world, even small boosts in performance can be the difference.

5. Custom Fit Waterproof In-Ear Headphones.
Here’s one for the Triathletes and swimmers… Many of today’s waterproof earphones rely on bone conduction technology, but H2O Audio has created a custom fit waterproof in-ear earbud. The custom fit comes from a mold taken at an audiologist, the mold is sent to H2O audio and the technology is fit inside. Still, you’ll need a waterproof MP3 player, or H2O Audio’s waterproof phone case, as these only come in a corded headphone… for now.

What Is Plogging, And Why Run 100 Miles?

1. Hawaii Is Trying To Ban Youth Runners From Competing?!
A new Senate Bill in Hawaii is looking to prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from participating in long-distance endurance events in the state. The measure is being introduced to curb issues such as overuse injuries in youth. The president of the Honolulu Marathon, Jim Barahal said “it’s not only a safe activity, it’s something that’s going to make people healthier for life.” We agree Jim.

2. Is Plogging The New Running Fad?
Stemming from origins in Sweden, Plogging seems to be picking up steam across the running world.
Plogging is a combination of running and picking up litter, and has become quite popular in Sweden as well as other parts of the world. It’s no surprise this comes from Sweden, as the country is almost waste free.
All you need is your running shoes, and a garbage bag.

3. Why Do We Run 100 Miles?
Billy Yang runs UltraMarathons (100 miles+). Billy Yang also makes awesome films on his YouTube Channel. He teamed up with Gu Energy to answer the big question of WHY in his latest video and documents his journey during the Leadville Trail 100 Run. Even though 100 miles may not be for you, the 30 minute documentary is a beautiful documentary/video essay on the WHY.

4. Andrew Wheating Shares His Post Running Career Life.
Andrew Wheating, a world class 800/1500 runner who retired in early Januaryhas always been known for his personality on and off the track. We’ve always wondered what professional runners do after their careers… Andrew Wheating shared a little video of what he’s been up to in the past month. It’s definitely a humorous look at a post-running life. Keep being you, Andrew.

5. A Treadmill Training Alternative To Peloton.
A couple of weeks ago, we shared the Peloton Tread with you. An expensive machine that wired classes direct to its 32 inch screen. Well now, Treadmill training app STUDIO and Life Fitness have teamed up to produce a competitor to Peloton. The app can pull data from the Treadmill, and show leaderboards and data on the treadmills display. STUDIO has also hired one of Peloton’s former instructors to be head of content and programming…