I officially opened my 2012 running season today on April, 24th. I usually run every day since April till December until the thermometer falls down to 15C below zero (59F). Anything above that temperature I find comfortable for running and jogging.

My running tips:

1. Never run on an empty stomach. If you cannot eat in the morning, you should consider the time of your last meal the previous night. You probably eat too late, which is why you don’t feel hungry in the morning. Even if it is so, don’t go out without a snack. A chocolate snack bar with a cup of hot green tea, or a cup of hot chocolate with a banana will be just good enough half an hour before a good run of 40 minutes or 1 hour.
2. Dress comfortable. The weather is very tricky in Moscow. It may be nice weather or so it seems, because the wind occurs during most of the days in spring and summer in Moscow. Consider wearing a light scarf and a baseball hat. You will sweat during your run and gasps of wind will blow right through your bones, and instead of a healthy workout, you will get a cold.
3. Take your music with you. I usually run with no music in the beginning of the season, listening to the forest sounds and my thoughts only. After getting used to the charms of the birds singing, I update my last year playlist and enjoy my outdoor exercise. I start with not so fast tracks, and this helps me to warm up, and gradually I get to the more energizing tracks and in the end motivating tracks help me not to give up, and I finish with the ones I had in the beginning to calm down.
4. A few sips of water. I usually take one third of the 500ml bottle of still water with me. It won’t bother me while running, as it is not heavy, and this amount of water seems to be just perfect for me not to get dehydrated and it compensates the liquid which I lose while sweating.
5. Comfortable, super resistant sneakers. When you run in the park, your sneakers should be resistant to stones and have a good amortization sole. The surface in the park is earthy, sometimes swampy and stony. I run in asics gel-stratus. They are cushioned with gel in the rearfoot and forefoot, and they have a perfect arch for stability. Though not an especially supportive shoe for gravel paths and for a more challenging run, neutral runners it offers a bouncy, flexible but reliable run. And they are very durable.
6. No alerts and push notifications. I like my iPhone. I like being online, but there are moments which I prefer to spare for myself only, and working out is one of them. I run to get some rest for my brains, to think everything over, to refocus, and I am usually very concentrated. In the end I get mentally clarified, inspired for a new day and usually make right decisions on questions I doubted before. I prefer running solo or with my soulmate who understands my moods.
7. Nike + GPS or Nike + iPod are awesome apps to boost your running technics. You can track your progress, you can set goals, you will stay motivated, as you can compete with other online runners using these apps. Nike + GPS is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations) and Nike + iPod requires additional nike gear. There are other apps besides these two. I use Nike + GPS and I would like to try Nike + iPod with some future purchase of additional gear.
8. Eat minimum one hour after you completed your run. You can drink a glass of fruit or vegetable freshly squeezed juice right after your workout and later eat some salad and protein containing products. I usually have steamed chicken breast or tuna salad. One hour after it, I can have some whole grain bread with vegetables and green tea.

Happy to share my photo report from the opening of my 2012 outdoor workout season.

Warming up.

I enjoy running alongside these beautiful alleys in Kuskovo park trimmed with the birch and oak trees on both sides. The path is covered with the last year foliage, and it is so soft for my feet lending on it while running. I run almost soundless, and sometimes little sparrows fly startled somewhere from under my feet.

Oops, some areas are still impounded. It was a very snowy winter and the trees are standing in the water. Hop-hop-hop. This exercise is good for my hips: )

Reminds me of the Levitan’s «At the pool»

Approaching my favorite lake. I have a feeling as if I am entering Ivan Shishkin’s room in the State Tretyakov Gallery.

The birds are taken care of. So many intricate designs of the starling-houses and boxes from all possible materials.

This one is the cutest. I think it was dedicated to Yuri Gagarin’s space fright in 1961: )

Have no idea, why the kids playground was caged last autumn. I do not like it at all. It is not only a waste of metal, but it spoils the scenery.

On the way to the estate.

Watch this romantic couple. The lake is a very popular place for dating.

It is so relaxing to see the reflection of the blue sky in the water.	Not only I, but also fishermen opened their season. To be exact, they never closed it, as they fish on the frozen lake in winter.

Here you are, smart squirrel. Our squirrels are not afraid of the man. They are almost tame.

Watch the pigeon’s fight.

These are cute, but useless.

When a dog’s got to do what a dog’s got to do, what do you do with a doggie’s doo?	Oops, looks like you do nothing.

Smells so nice. What is it? Haaa, this is fantastic.

Lots of graffiti.

I am done here.

Where did you open your 2012 running season? Leave your comment. Share your running tips. See you in Moscow parks.