Got natural hair? 5k runner? Last year I trained for than ran my very first 5k. It felt great to be out running but sweating was a problem for me. A big problem because I would literally sweat out my salon styled permed hair during training. Wanted to train harder but I would always hold back because of my profuse sweating...especially in my hair.
During my transition during 2013 back to my natural hair my thoughts would often drift to running another 5k. These lofty thoughts were always pushed aside by my desire to protect my line of demarcation (where natural hair stops and permed hair begins). Fast forward to January 2014 all perm has been trimmed away leaving my low porosity natural hair. During this time I have slowly managed to create a healthy hair care regimen revolved around techniques as well as hair products that make my fine hair happy. This means sweating is no longer a issue. It seems the timing is right to kick my 5k training back up. To help prepare, I start thinking about what I need to add or change to make my new round of 5k training as simple as possible. Here is what I have come up with so far:
Training
After trying other apps I decided to go with the Jeff Galloway 5K training app. It is good for more newbie runners like me or the seasoned runners to help improve your time. Verbal cues from Jeff for proper running posture, breathing as well as inspirational quotes help with safe training. It also tracks important stats like calories burned. Full review of this app coming soon.
Hairstyle
My go to hairstyle is flat twists. This hair technique is quickly installed with a total 13 medium sized twists in my hair before my late night work outs at the gym. No matter how much I sweat my hair simply dries over night with great fluffy, defined curls in the morning. There are times when I am in a rush or deep conditioning my hair. At these times I style accordingly...lol check out the pics below to see what I mean. Sometimes an occasional co-wash may also be needed. Scalp massages with oil are able to continue within the readily available parts. To help keep my hair moisturized the Green House Effect is used 3 to 4 times a week. Watch for a video tying all this together.
Meals
Currently I prepare all our family meals for Monday - Friday on Sunday evenings. This helps me stay within my daily calorie budget while making healthy food choices. Decided to visit some of the top internet sites for runners to find out the low down on best food options. With this complied list in hand I mashed this against some of our families favorite meats, fruits, veggies and starches. Here is how a typical day looks like: Breakfast = Chocolate Almond Green Smoothie or oatmeal w/berries ~ Snack = Almonds or fruit ~ Lunch = Salad w/ protein ~ Snack = Granola bar ~ Dinner = protein + veggie + carb (family) ~ Snack = granola bar
Training
After trying other apps I decided to go with the Jeff Galloway 5K training app. It is good for more newbie runners like me or the seasoned runners to help improve your time. Verbal cues from Jeff for proper running posture, breathing as well as inspirational quotes help with safe training. It also tracks important stats like calories burned. Full review of this app coming soon.
Hairstyle
My go to hairstyle is flat twists. This hair technique is quickly installed with a total 13 medium sized twists in my hair before my late night work outs at the gym. No matter how much I sweat my hair simply dries over night with great fluffy, defined curls in the morning. There are times when I am in a rush or deep conditioning my hair. At these times I style accordingly...lol check out the pics below to see what I mean. Sometimes an occasional co-wash may also be needed. Scalp massages with oil are able to continue within the readily available parts. To help keep my hair moisturized the Green House Effect is used 3 to 4 times a week. Watch for a video tying all this together.
Meals
Currently I prepare all our family meals for Monday - Friday on Sunday evenings. This helps me stay within my daily calorie budget while making healthy food choices. Decided to visit some of the top internet sites for runners to find out the low down on best food options. With this complied list in hand I mashed this against some of our families favorite meats, fruits, veggies and starches. Here is how a typical day looks like: Breakfast = Chocolate Almond Green Smoothie or oatmeal w/berries ~ Snack = Almonds or fruit ~ Lunch = Salad w/ protein ~ Snack = Granola bar ~ Dinner = protein + veggie + carb (family) ~ Snack = granola bar
Week 1
Week 2
My 8 weeks of 5k training using the Jeff Galloway app has officially started. Check back often. This blog will be updated with progress pictures. Now it's your turn. How do you wear your natural hair while training or working out? Got a favorite app, snack or hair care product that makes 5K running easier? Share your experience in the comments section.
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