[running & how i do it]

So, in keeping with my recent set of posts centered around my new lifestyle, I think it's a good idea to talk about how I'm able to actually walk and jog now. I say this because even walking a mile used to cause the absolute worst shin splints ever. Applying some knowledge and tips I've learned over the years, I am now [albeit slowly but surely] increasing my running distance and shortening my average times.

A few important things:

• A good playlist. I will never understand how people can just run without listening to anything. Maybe if I loved it more or something, I could understand, but right now my music is a large part of what sets the pace of my run and what keeps me going. Here are a few songs I absolutely have to listen to:

• I Need Your Love - Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding
• Levels - Avicii
• Clarity -  Zedd
• You Used to Hold Me - Calvin Harris
• All Night - Icona Pop
• Live for the Night - Krewella

• Stretching. I usually like to do a little warm up first, which I usually do by walking 1/4 mile. Then, I stop and stretch my lower body really well. The extra stretching helps prevent any pain in my calves or shins and helps limber me up to start jogging. I also make sure to stretch for at least 10 minutes after my walk to avoid cramping. 
• Ankle strengthening exercises. I typically do these after I stretch, before I start to jog. Depending on how i'm feeling, I may do more during my jog. It very much depends on how my legs are feeling. These exercises are basically calf raises. I do regular calf raises, inner v calf raises (toes pointed in) and outer v calf raises (toes pointed out). 

Basically, if I can do this, so can you!

"if you do what you've always done, you'l get what you've always gotten."

- anthony robbins