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Mental Journaling Example

April 6, 2016 By Complete Runner

Mental Journaling Sports

Now that we have covered mental journaling, we can now combine the two techniques to create an effective intervention strategy by applying thought restructuring techniques to create a change not only with thoughts but also with feelings and behavior.

Review your journal weekly to look for any patterns of thought or performance related issues. For example, in my journal, I may notice that in the past week the weather has been very hot and humid and my running/walking performance has been suffering. I have also noticed that most of my recorded comments have been rather negative such as “I am feeling very slow, sluggish, and tired today and I am not having much fun”; “I am really having a rough time with my runs/walks and it is hard to stay motivated”.  My feelings associated with these thoughts may be frustration, irritation, and depression. My behavior associated with my thoughts and feelings could result in deciding “it is not worth it anymore and I quit”. However, it is important to gain perspective on the situation. This can be accomplished by first realizing that heat and humidity can effect almost any athlete’s performance. Secondly, training in the heat (if done properly) can actually help to acclimate a person to hot and humid conditions resulting in the possibility of better performance on race day. As a result, my feelings may be become more content with my running/walking performance and I continue with my training as scheduled.

By recording this type of information and reviewing it weekly, in a very tangible way, the athlete is able to see how they are thinking and feeling in order to create intervention strategies that can be used to promote effective change.

*Mark Jagos LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, sports performance counselor, and personal consultant who has participated in numerous marathons and local races and counsels athletes in mental training for sports and exercise. To schedule an appointment please call 810-624-7631.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Mental Journaling

Crim Week Coming to Complete Runner June 2-7

May 28, 2014 By Complete Runner

Crim Week 2014 Complete Runner

We are pleased to announce that Crim Week is fast approaching Complete Runner June 2-7, 2014.

We host Crim Week at Complete Runner each year to get folks excited about the upcoming Crim while offering some great deals, discounts, and giveaways!

This year’s Crim Week looks a little like this:

Monday (June 2) – Mizuno Giveaways
Tuesday (June 3) – Nike Giveaways
Wednesday (June 4) – Saucony Giveaways and Amphipod Water Belt Clinic
Thursday (June 5) – Brooks Giveaways
Friday (June 6) – Sports Bean, Pro Bar, Nuun Giveaways
Saturday (June 7) – New Balance Giveaways
All Week Long – Save $5 off Crim registration; Crim Week only deals on shoes, tech wear, nutrition, and gear; and more!

Make sure to put June 2-7 on your calendar, and bring a friend with you to sign up for the Crim and get in on some good deals!

Print off the Crim Week Flyer with $10 and $20 Off Coupons at Complete Runner! [Download PDF Flyer]

 

Filed Under: Featured, News

10 Tips for Those Training to Run or Walk their First Crim

May 28, 2014 By Complete Runner

Crim2014

If you are looking to participate in your first Crim run or walk this year, congratulations! The road to the Crim will come with hardship and challenges, but it will end with the amazing feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line and see all your hard work finally pay off.

Whether you are in the official Crim Training program or training on your own, we’ve compiled a list of ten tips that cover everything from shoes to nutrition to help those training to run or walk their first Crim race get the most out of their experience.

The best shoes to buy are the ones that best fit your feet [Read More…]

Request a gait analysis from a specialty running store to determine your foot type when trying on shoes [Read More…]

Get more out of your shoes with an insole based on your arch type [Read More…]

A good pair of performance running socks keep your feet dry, comfortable, and greatly reduce the chance of blisters [Read More…]

Use compression socks or sleeves to keep your calves from cramping in the race, and afterwards for a faster recovery [Read More…]

You get what you pay for, so don’t be fooled by cheap copycat running clothes [Read More…]

Running clothes should do more than just cover your body; they should help you to perform your best [Read More…]

Prevent chafing before it happens with the proper running tech wear and anti-chafe cream [Read More…]

Proper race and training nutrition can help improve your performance [Read More…]

Make sure you properly hydrate before, during, and after your run to get the most out of your workout and save yourself from cramping and dehydration [Read More…]

If you enjoyed these tips be sure to check the Complete Runner Blog, where many more running and walking tips like these are published each month.

Filed Under: Featured, Tips Tagged With: Crim, CrimFit Adult Training Program, training

What is the Difference Between Walking Shoes and Running Shoes?

May 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

cortana

If you are a competitive walker, or want to get into the sport, you may be wondering what the difference is between walking and running shoes. Before we discuss that, let’s first look at the differences between running and walking.

When running you put more impact on your feet, knees, and joints. On the flip side, the most efficient way to walk is when your shoe never leaves the ground. Because of this it is best for walking shoes to have a low heal drop and minimal cushion, which will allow for an efficient, light-weight walking shoe.

What this ideal walking shoe sounds like is a good pair of racing flats, which are super light-weight with a low heal drop. Ironically, racing flats aren’t just a good shoe to improve performance of runners, but also make for a great walking shoe.

Learn more about racing flats in this previous article, and stop in Complete Runner to try on a pair.

Instinct

 

Filed Under: Featured, Products Tagged With: racing flats, shoes, walking, walking shoes

2-in-1 Running Shorts Help Prevent Chafing and Overheating

May 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

Black Running Shorts

Chafing in the crotch and inner thigh is definitely not something you want to experience. Some of you know exactly what we mean.

You can use a product like Run Guard to help prevent chafing, and we highly suggest doing so if you are prone to it, but when it comes down to it there is nothing that will help prevent chafing more than the proper running tech wear.

So, when it comes to chafing in the crotch/inner thigh, a good pair of 2-in-1 running shorts will do wonders. These are running shorts with underwear or compression shorts built in and are designed to be breathable and wick the moisture away from your skin, which helps to keep you comfortable and dry, preventing chafing and even overheating.

Regular shorts and underwear, especially if they are cotton, won’t wick the moisture away and you’ll pay the price later.

Even though a tube of Run Guard is highly recommended, it just makes sense to wear 2-in-1 running shorts for your workouts and races to not only keep you comfortable during the race but also prevent a lot of discomfort after.

Filed Under: Featured, Products Tagged With: 2 in 1 shorts, chafing, running shorts

Top 16 Items to Have in Your Running Race Bag [Checklist]

April 30, 2014 By Complete Runner

Race Bag for Runners

It’s race day.

You wake up early, throw on your running tech clothes, and hop in the car to travel to your race.

Hey, don’t forget your race bag!

If you don’t all ready have a bag that you take to your races it is a good thing to have with you, filled with items you will be sure to need and other items you may need.

So, the question is what should you have in your race bag?  Here is the Complete Runner’s list of top items to include in your race bag:

Items for Before the Race

1. Gel Packs (like Huma, Ignite, or Stinger Gel) to use 15-20 minutes prior to a race

2. Insulated water bottle to keep drinks cold

3. Anti-Chafe Products (Body Guard, Sport Shield or Run Guard)

4. Sun Screen to protect your skin from harmful rays during the race

5. Extra pins or race number holder

6. Extra shoe laces in case one snaps before the race

7. Muscle massage bar to warm up caves and thighs since it isn’t good to stretch cold muscles (also great for recovery)

8. Electrolytes (like Nuun) to put in water to help replenish nutrients

Items for After the Race

9. Protein recovery bar or drink (remember the importance of the Magic Hour for better recovery)

10. Towel

11. Compression socks or sleeves

12. Dry socks

13. Deodorant

14. Dry shirt for relaxing or the awards ceremony (some tech wear offers an extremely comfortable feel with anti-odor and UV protection)

15. Sandals (Teva offers good support so you can be comfortable after the race)

16. Instant ice pack to help with sore muscles after the race as needed

Whether you need to start your race bag from scratch or are only missing a few important items, let Complete Runner help you get your running gear bag to where it needs to be.

Filed Under: Featured, Tips Tagged With: Race Bag

Testimonial: Hoka Running Shoes Saved My Running Career

April 30, 2014 By Complete Runner

Sarah DeDolph runs track and cross country at Flint Powers and is an exceptional athlete.

Two years ago she had horrible stress fractures that kept her from running. Hours of physical therapy wasn’t even doing much good.

Complete Runner suggested she look into the Hoka running shoes and compression socks, among other things. Now, Sarah is competing again injury and pain free! After getting over their funky look, some of her high school team members are even converting to Hoka running shoes for their training and are noticing fewer aches and pains.

Don’t just take our word for it, here is Sarah.

If you have yet to experience the Hoka for yourself, stop by Complete Runner in Flint today!

Filed Under: Featured, Products, Tips Tagged With: Hoka, testimonial, video

3 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Pay $10 (or More) for a Pair of Performance Running Socks

April 30, 2014 By Complete Runner

Feetures Running Socks

Running shoes get all the attention.

Most people realize the importance of a proper fitting and gait analysis to find a pair of running shoes that work well with your feet to offer the optimal performance and comfort, but what about the socks?

Wearing high performance running socks is critical, especially while racing. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t fret at spending $10 or more for a good pair of running socks.

1. Performance Running Socks Keep Your Feet Comfortable

Sweaty feet aren’t cool (literally), and that is why a good pair of running socks offer wicking technology to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable while running.

2. Performance Running Socks Reduce the Chance of Blisters

Just like running shoes, high quality running socks offer a great fit to your feet. Not only is this comfortable, but allows your socks to stay firmly in place to reduce the risk of movement between your foot and sock, greatly reducing your chance of getting blisters.

3. Performance Running Socks Compliment Your Running Shoes

After taking the time to find the perfect pair of running shoes, it just makes sense to also fit your feet with a good pair of socks. A good pair of shoes with crappy socks won’t allow you to reap all the benefits from your shoes, so think of high quality socks like the perfect complement to your running shoes, like Peanut Butter is to Jelly (except not as messy).

A few dollars more for a good pair of socks is a great investment into your feet, offering you the best performance and comfort possible. With many quality brands to choose from, like Feetures, Balega, Wright Sock, FitSock, Injinji and SmartWool, Complete Runner is not only Flint’s favorite place to buy running and walking shoes, but also running socks. Stop by today and let us help you make your feet happy!

Filed Under: Featured, Products, Tips Tagged With: Balega, Feetures, FitSock, Injinji, running socks, SmartWool, Wright Sock

Activity Bands Make Staying Active Fun and Easy

April 29, 2014 By Complete Runner

Polar Loop Activity Band

The activity band craze started a few years ago with the Fitbit and continues today with the Polar Loop and Garmin Vivofit.

What’s all the fuss you may ask?

Well, these activity bands are pretty neat. The whole premise is that even small choices, like taking the stairs or walking instead of driving a few blocks, can add up fast to help you develop a healthier lifestyle.

Most activity bands track your steps, distance, calories, and let you know if you have been sitting for too long. Kind of like a personal assistant for your health.

Most even allow you to set goals for yourself, and will track your daily progress.

They are not only beautifully designed but easily connect with your smart phone and computer, allowing you to track and analyze your trends.

Many activity bands also connect with heart rate monitors to track your performance during more rigorous running workouts.

Activity bands can benefit both runners and walkers by encouraging them to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the day and in between workouts, and can also give a more complete view of your health than only tracking your workouts.

See the Polar Loop in action in the video below, and check out this and the Garmin Vivofit by stopping into Complete Runner today!

Filed Under: Featured, Products Tagged With: Activity Bands, Garmin Vivofit, Polar Loop

Whatever Your Style in Running Tech Wear, Complete Runner Has You Covered

March 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

Womens Running Clothes Flint Michigan

A new study (ok, not really a “study”, but a hunch proven by observation) conducted by Complete Runner shows women love bright colored running tech clothes, while men are satisfied with black shorts.

Running tech wear helps athletes feel good and perform their best, but most women also require their running clothes to look good.  Since we are well aware of this, you will find our store filled with attractive tech wear in all the colors of the rainbow.

On the other hand, most men seem to prefer something a little more traditional.  In terms of running shorts, men almost always buy black or grey.  Since black goes well with anything, most men are satisfied with black shorts and whatever running shirt they grab.

Black Running Shorts

Don’t get us wrong, there are always exceptions.  However, being in the business for thirty-years we’ve picked up on some trends.

So, if you are a woman looking for bright colors or a man looking for another pair of black shorts, you can be confident that you will find the best and most popular running tech wear at Complete Runner.

Filed Under: Featured, News

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One of the Most Innovative Running/Walking Stores in Michigan

There are many choices when it comes to buying running/walking shoes and gear. However, we don’t just sell running/walking shoes and gear; we offer an experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Stop by our running/walking stores in Flint and Grand Blanc today to experience the Complete Runner difference.

Flint and Grand Blanc Location & Hours

Complete Runner Flint
915 South Dort Hwy
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 233-8851

        Monday 10am-7pm
       Tuesday 10am-7pm
       Wednesday 10am-7pm
      Thursday 10am-7pm
      Friday 10am-8pm
      Saturday 10am-6pm
      Sun- 11am-4pm

Complete Runner Grand Blanc
11303 S Saginaw St
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
(810) 603-7092

       Monday 10am-7pm
       Tuesday 10am-7pm
      Wednesday 10am-7pm
      Thursday 10am-7pm
      Friday 10am-8pm
     Saturday 10am-6pm
     Sun 11am-4pm

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