Training Guide for “Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day” (G.O.H.A.R.D.)

On November 20, 2009 Michaela McGuigan hosted a public facebook event called, “National Hug a Cross Country Runner Day.” The page shows that over 42,000 people attended.  Unfortunately, we could not find evidence that the event was repeated in 2010.

After very little thought or consideration, we decided to do what we can to make this day an annual occurrence!  We were inspired by Michele’s event, but wish to make a couple changes.  First we want to take it from “National” to “Global” and second, we want to include all runners, all styles, and all ages.  From cross country and track runners to weekend joggers, all runners are kindred spirits enjoying the gift of running so let’s wrap our arms around all of them!

Without any authority or right to do such a thing, we would like to declare November 20, 2011, the first annual “Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day!”   (G.O. H.A.R.D.)  We know it is 11 months from now but that gives us time to train and prepare!  If we are going to be ready and at our best on the big day, we will need to apply ourselves and commit to many months of practice.  We can’t just show up at G.O.H.A.R.D. and expect to perform well without putting in the work beforehand.

Below are a few training suggestions to help everyone train for the big day in November:

1.  Interval Hugging: Try both long and short intervals and don’t forget to change leads with your hugging partners so everybody gets a chance to set the pace.  We recommend starting with 10 X 40-second hugs with ample recovery.  More experienced huggers may want to cut down on the rest between hugs.

2.  Long Slow Hugs: This should be a staple of your training program.  Set aside time at least once a week to share a hug lasting several minutes.  Up to 20% of your weekly hugging time can be spent in this one hug.  Be sure to choose your LSH partners carefully because this kind of training might scare off newcomers.

3.  Speed Hugging: Don’t overdo this especially in the early months.  Speed training is important but can lead to injury if huggers try to do too much too soon.

4.  Hug Visualization: To be at your best you must prepare mentally.  In order to be ready for anything, make sure to visualize hugging runners of all sizes, genders, ages, and ethnicities.  Unlike in running, we do not recommend hug visualization (HV) while engaged in interval hugging, (IH) speed hugging, (SH) or Long Slow Hugging, (LSH).  Leave hug visualization to moments when you are alone.

5.  Cross Training: Running couples may want to engage in some “cross training” activities.  In fact some of the above workouts (especially the LSH) can lead to cross training.  While not necessary, these activities can add a little spice to the day to day grind.

Most runners do not enter their biggest race of the year without doing several smaller races in the weeks and months leading up to it.   So in addition to the five tips above, we are going to recommend attending smaller Hug a Runner events before we attend G.O. H.A.R.D.

On the 20th or every month we will post a reminder on our facebook page to go out and hug a runner.  Add this to your list of New Year’s Resolutions and dedicate yourself to training with us as we get ready for G.O.H.A.R.D. 2011!

Make sure to click the “Im Attending” button on our facebook event page and invite all of your running friends to attend as well!

Here are some photos submitted by people attending the event.  Send us your hugging pictures and we will post them here!