Came across this advice from Weldon Johnson on LetsRun.com 10 Keys to Running Success. They’re good reminders as we begin another year of running. Some might not be available to all of us – the coach, training partners or altitude. But others like running on softer surfaces, staying hydrated and running very easy on our recovery days, we can all do.

Getting more sleep is the one I need to work on. Some how my best intentions to get my 8 hours are way laid as I try to cram in yet another task in my day. I read that people who don’t get enough sleep crave carbs and sugar. University of Chicago researchers found that people who slept only four hours had a drop in leptin. It’s a hormone that tells your brain when you’re full. Lack of sleep can also raise your cortisol levels, making your appetite surge.

We also know sleep is healing. Our shuteye helps repair our bodies from those tough workouts. Then there’s the mood factor. Lack of sleep makes me cranky. The smallest things that I normally laugh off get under my skin. That’s when I know it’s time to get to bed early for my 8 hours. It’s good for my sanity and those around me!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr, Jim Blob Blann