3. Show Gratitude
Kastor is a firm believer in being thankful for what you've accomplished and appreciating what your body is able to do on a daily basis.
Not everything will be perfect, and adversity—whether minor or major—will almost certainly strike. But this doesn't have to be what you think about during a race or workout.
You may not set a new PR or have the best run, but if you completed the workout and feel healthy, try your best to appreciate the accomplishments—big or small.
4. Eat and Snack Well
Kastor is a fan of healthy snacks, and rightfully so. Distance runners burn more calories than most athletes, and it's vital to eat well and consume the calories needed to replenish your body.
In her cooking workshop, Kastor made items such as kale chips, hummus and baked and seasoned nuts. As delicious as the snacks were, they paled in comparison to the hearty dinners we enjoyed each night to fuel our bodies for the next day's miles.
The weekend consisted of more than 20 miles of running spread out over three days, but the emphasis on nutrition helped participants handle the workload.
More: 25 Healthy Snacks for Runners
5. Recovery
Once you finish your run or workout for the day, Kastor recommends almost immediately switching your focus to the recovery phase.
Foam rollers, stretching, cold tubs, hydration, nutrition—whatever your body needs to began the restoration process, get it done. Distance runners constantly put their bodies through extended periods of stress, and to prepare for the next workout or run, recovery is key.
More: 17 Proven Ways to Speed Muscle Recovery
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