Run Easy

Right.
Since recently I had little inspiration or luck either in drawing or filming, it's time to cause some damage in written word. Brace yourselves.

This is by no means design-related. Or maybe?
No matter whether you will work for yourself or for a company/an agency, you are more than likely to spend around 8 hours a day sitting in front of your desk, which is not super healthy really. Some get away with it, while the others keep putting on like crazy. The diet, unless you have supervision and an iron will is not enough to keep you fit, so the only solution is to sweat it out a bit.

Now, I will tell you about best sport there is.
Jogging.

Why is jogging the best sport?
Now putting aside the cliches as 'we all run', there is virtually no need for equipment. You don't need to rent a course to practice, buying extra gear does not make you a better runner and finally - your stage is everywhere you want it to be.
Now, I'm not really  a huge sports person but jogging is different. Not enjoying competitions as such, I prefer to set my own standards, my own records and break them.
The 40+minutes of solitude you get while running is good for getting ideas - I know I managed to come up with good answers to briefs while jogging. It is good for designer after all!

So what do you need for jogging?

• Shoes

Now, I don't want to sound as if I was affiliated with one of certain companies, but since you will not likely invest in anything else, a decent pair of trainers is a must. This is not for keeping up good image, think about it in therms of respect or gratitude towards your legs. Nothing too fancy, as long as it's proper running sole (thick, foamy and you feel like a ned wearing them). This is especially important if running on concrete.

• Gym pass?

The question between gymmin' it up vs. running outdoor comes down to one's taste at the end of the day. It's worth noting though that running outdoors during the winter may not be really good for your knees - according to some of my sources at least. Personally I recommend having a mix of both for a good measure.

• Tunes!

Yup, oddly enough, at least in my experience music is a major factor on performance. I find it that I manage to break my own records in good spirits and nothing sets for good spirit like some good music. The question of the genre is again up to one's preference, it's worth making it fast-paced to match the rhythm: the more you can focus on the beat the least likely you are to glance at the timer all the time and wonder if your breathing pattern is correct (tip: the more you think about it the more likely you are to screw it up - it best comes naturally).

I enclose a couple of my favourites  for a good run. Since I listen to an awful lot of different tunes depending on the mood you should find quite a broad range of genres here. Have a look!

1. Invaders must die

2. Offspring - Genocide

3. Mos Def - Hip Hop

4. Black Keys - Lonely  Boy

5. Le Tigre - Deceptacon

6. Outkast - B.O.B

7. Nine Inch Nails - Meet your master

8. Franz Ferdinand - Take me out.

That's a good start set-up.

So what's the technique?

Briefly: try inhaling by your nose and exhaling by mouth.

Don't think about your breathing pace - it's correct anyway.

For faster runs - I find it easier to start running on toes, then once my legs get tired switch to mid-foot. There is a discussion around this but ultimately especially for beginners I think it's important to run the way you find natural.

Warm up (before longer runs it's a must).

Cool down

Try not eating for  ~3hours prior to running

Good luck