More often than not, I’m convinced my struggles as a runner make me stick out like a sore thumb. I’m always surprised with the number of athletes who share these experiences and make me feel a little less like an oddball. Here are the three recurring inconveniences I encounter on a regular basis, along with adaptations that have helped me thrive.
1. Eating enough food
Running is a demanding sport; you’ll expend a lot of energy and need to fuel to replenish those nutrients. As someone with a naturally fast metabolism, it can be tough to keep up with how quickly I get hungry. I found meal prepping has been essential for making sure I’m eating enough, with high-protein meals keeping me full for longer. During peak training months, I’m sometimes eating four meals a day, which can make grocery shopping seem like a full-time job. I also always have a protein bar on hand (I just keep one in my bag at all times) for a post-workout snack or in case of immediate hunger.
Constantly being hungry also makes it difficult to fuel close enough to a race or a workout–I’m hungry, but I don’t want food sitting heavily in my stomach when the pace picks up. I used to follow the two-hour rule, but I’ve slowly trained myself to eat small amounts of food (a bagel, oatmeal or yogurt) closer to the start of my run to ensure I’m not running on empty. Gels and gummies are also perfect for a light, energy-boosting mid-workout snack, without the weight of solid food.
2. Cold hands
Although I have yet to see someone wear gloves while running as often as I do, I know cold extremities are a very common inconvenience among runners. With Raynaud syndrome (decreased blood flow to extremities), even mildly chilly days can make my fingers painfully cold. As fall comes around, you’ll find me with countless pairs of gloves and mittens in my running bag, plus plenty of throw-away gloves for race day. I know–gloves and a tank top isn’t exactly a fashion statement, but I’ve learned to own it.
3. Sweating… a lot
This is something I know all runners deal with, but it can feel excessive when you’re drenched five minutes into your run. It’s easy to compare how much I sweat to my peers, asking myself why I’m the only one changing into clean, dry clothes between workouts. I’ve even wondered if I have hyperhidrosis. Over time, I’ve started to embrace it–after all, it’s just my body doing its job. My solution? Have an extra set of clothes and a sweat towel in my running bag at all times, always drink electrolytes post-workout and never skip deodorant.
