Share the Sweat (Hug A Runner Day)

November 20th, 2012 is a celebration! Runners of all styles, ages, genders, speeds, sizes, and ethnicities unite in an embrace as we celebrate the second annual Hug a Runner Day!

Last year we declared November 20, 2011 the first annual “Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day!” or G.O. H.A.R.D. Thousands of people attended the event on facebook, random hugs were given, and gallons of sweat were shared!

This year let’s make it an even bigger celebration as we wrap our arms around cross country runners, track runners, road racers, walkers, joggers, and sloggers.  Nothing shows our unity better than a great big sweaty hug!

There isn’t much time. The big day is less than a month away. If we are going to be ready, we need to train as much as possible.  Just like running, we can’t expect to perform well on Hug a Runner Day if we don’t put in the work beforehand. So…

Below are a few training suggestions to help everyone train for the second annual Hug a Runner Day coming November 20, 2012.

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 twice a week to share a hug lasting several minutes.  Up to 20% of your weekly hugging time can be spent in a single 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 if you are not already an experienced hugger.  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.

5 Ways To Participate Before The Event:

1. Practice hugging as many runners as possible.

2. Go to the Hug a Runner event page on facebook and click the blue “Join” button.

3. Send us your hugging pictures to info@runtheedge.com, or post them on our facebook page.

4. Invite all of your friends (runners or not) to join the event.

5. Share this blog or write your own.

4 Ways To Participate On November 20th:

1. Wear running shoes all day long. If possible, wear an old race bib.  If you see someone wearing these items, run up and give them a hug!

2. Organize a group hug with your training group. (Don’t forget the pics!)

3. Send every runner you know a virtual hug by enclosing their names in double brackets like this ((Adam and Tim)).

4. Commit random acts of hugging.

Most of all have a great time and SHARE THE SWEAT!

**Be sure to like this post and share it on your wall or in your own blog.  Happy Hugging!**

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