My Experience Running with Jet Lag - Kevin's Post
As a dedicated runner on a mission to attempt the ultimate ultramarathon, I often find myself facing various challenges that come with the territory. In my latest adventure, I tackled the topic of running with jet lag after returning from a trip to New York. Let me tell you, running in a jet-lagged state is no easy feat.
After spending four days in the bustling city of New York, I embarked on my journey back to the UK, where the real challenge began. The overnight flight back meant that my already limited hours of sleep were further reduced, leaving me feeling exhausted upon landing. The struggle to stay awake and adjust to the time difference was real, especially when faced with a two-hour drive back home from the airport.
Despite the overwhelming fatigue, I knew that running with jet lag required a different approach. I realized that my body was depleted and more prone to injury, so I made it a point to take it easy during my run. Hydration and proper fueling became crucial aspects to consider, ensuring that my body had the necessary support to push through the tiredness.
As I hit the familiar off-road tracks in Cambridge, the contrast of running across the Brooklyn Bridge just hours before felt surreal. The lack of sleep blurred the passage of time, making it seem like mere hours had passed since my New York run. Running on autopilot, I focused on maintaining a slower pace and conserving my energy to get through the jet-lagged state.
For anyone facing a similar challenge of running with jet lag, my advice is clear: listen to your body, hydrate, fuel correctly, opt for a shorter route if needed, and most importantly, take it slow. Running in such a state is no walk in the park, but by giving your body the care it needs, you can navigate through it with a sense of accomplishment.
In conclusion, running with jet lag tests both your physical and mental endurance. It's a battle against fatigue and disorientation, but with the right approach and mindset, you can conquer it. As I continue on my fundraising mission to save children's lives through running, I am reminded of the resilience and determination that running with jet lag has instilled in me.
Remember, running is not always about speed or distance but about the journey and the obstacles we overcome along the way. Stay positive, stay focused, and keep moving forward, even when jet lag tries to slow you down. See you on the road.