Hard Work Looks Good on You: Road Rash is Red, Toenails are Blue

Tips to Work Hard & Look Good While Training

Training does some interesting things to our bodies. Some of them are surprisingly pleasing, and others, well, less so...but with a few adjustments you can take advantage of the benefits training provides and remedy any issues that may result.

Visually pleasing form: Perfect strangers often do a double-take in Summer for extended appreciation of biceps, shoulders, and chest visible thanks to tank tops. Hard work is visually evident in those areas, and it is definitely noticed by others. Beautiful cut and curves both in and out of clothing are visible thanks to hard work and discipline.

Personally, my body has never looked better, and there are new areas of tone the longer I train.

TIP: It takes time and consistency to see results! To help, replace simple carbs when you can and focus on a balanced diet of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates with minimal processed food to take advantage of the solid muscle you're building and reduce unnecessary fluff.

Abrasion: Recently I swapped out a sports bra that was too loose for another newer one in my race gear; the result was a cherry red friction burn from the tighter bra that lasted weeks. While easily explainable and not altogether unsexy as a wound inflicted during a hard-fought race, abrasions on the skin are not great either. Open skin could get infected, is painful, and is more sensitive to sun or other irritants until healed.

TIP: Waxing helps reduce friction in sensitive areas, as do body lubes/glide. Lavender, Tea Tree and Elemi/Frankincense essential oils, coconut oil and vitamin E are my go-to abrasion aftercare.

Endurance: Endurance in training extends to all areas of life...running isn't the only place for heavy breathing after all...

TIP: Breath work resets your central nervous system and is a great stress release, whether you're with a friend or happily practicing that heavy breathing solo.

Fatigue: Endurance does not apply to bedtime...early morning training and physical fatigue from increased training during meso-cycles requires more rest and recovery.

TIP: Plan that night life accordingly to get in your long run AND enough sleep. Personally, I love going to bed early. Remember, bedtime doesn't have to be alone...and you don't have to sleep right away...

BONUS TIP: Coming up I'll share a secret tool that makes going to bed early more fun.

Great looking skin: Being outside all Summer, even with sunblock, will give you a sun-kissed glow. Plus, the sweat from all your hard work is cleansing to the body and great for your skin.

TIP: Be sure and protect your skin with SPF and run with a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Exfoliate well and moisturize to keep skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Callouses and Runner's Toe: While not a guarantee, the miles of training likely will create callouses on your feet, and impact may cause toenails to fall off or bruise (or both!). These are minor challenges and usually do not require any special action. Just be sure to keep the nails short and keep an eye out for any open wounds that would necessitate more care.

TIP: If your toenails are habitually getting damaged, consider if you should go up a half size in your shoe, or if you need to tie your shoelaces a bit tighter to keep the foot from moving as much in your shoe during training.

If you're worried about callouses or toenails looking unsexy, a good pedicure could certainly help. Not being overly concerned about it myself, a little at-home beautification with dark, opaque nail polish can go a long way, but give yourself some grace. The feet work hard. Expect them to look like it.

Feel good: There are so many great benefits of running and fitness overall. It's a first-rate tool for both physical and mental health. Bodyweight exercises and running in particular are very affordable ways to stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are too many benefits to list, but what's important to me is how accessible these tools are to maintaining emotional balance on a daily basis. Running in particular gives me what I need to feel human and carry out my adult responsibilities. Maybe you can't feel great every day, but it always raises the bar for me.

TIP: If you're interested in running but do not yet consider yourself a runner, start simple with a 2 min run/walk pattern and gradually increase the amount you run (decrease the time you walk) over time. Adding a simple routine like this to your life can create immeasurable benefits to your well-being.

Don't make it overly complicated. Just get out there and try for a few times a week to start and give yourself grace. The hardest part is getting out the door. Did you run at all? Great, you're a runner. Don't let imposter syndrome tell you otherwise.

You will want to tell everyone: This consequence of training is really for others who have not yet been converted to running. They will tire of your energy and enthusiasm for talking about how amazing running is how great certain aspects of your life are as a result. They may occasionally mistake your enthusiasm for vanity or puffery. Non-runners, we are sorry to make you feel uncomfortable. We runners love running and want to share that love! It is a pure love, I assure you. No puffery!

TIP: Sometimes runners are viewed as exotic and strange creatures and thus a barrage of questions may ensue about WHY or HOW or just...WHAT exactly are we doing? This is fun. Go all out. Tell them everything they want to know. Spread the good word.

BUT be cautious of dominating the conversation - sometimes we are overly enthusiastic to share about running, not realizing that our audience is just being polite. Answer questions, but then ask a reciprocal question like 'I hear there are hobbies besides running. What kind of hobbies do you enjoy?'.

Overall, training makes for a beautiful canvas to present to the world with just a few nuances to consider.

Have hardworking, good-looking tips for me to share? DM me!

XOXO,

T