By Tracey Hall
As I write this post, the world famous New York City Marathon is underway. Does the sheer energy and camaraderie seen at this and our local races make you think about starting to run?
The health benefits are numerous. Regular running can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It’s a terrific way to boost your mood and keep your weight under control.
Here are a five tips to consider before starting:
1– If you haven’t been active for a while, you might want to build your fitness level slowly with a walking routine before you move on to running.
Running requires little equipment, but a good pair of running shoes that suit your foot type may help to improve your comfort level.
2– Plan your runs. Work out when and where (the exact route and time) you’re going to run and put it in a diary. That way, it won’t slip your mind.
3– Before starting each run, do a gentle warm-up for at least five minutes. It can be quick walking, marching in place, knee lifts, side stepping and climbing stairs.
4– Give yourself a few minutes to cool down after each run by walking and a doing few stretches.Regular running for beginners means getting out at least twice a week. Your running will improve as your body adapts to the consistent training stimulus.
5-Consider joining a local running club. We are lucky to have one of the largest running clubs in New Jersey right here at the Jersey Shore: Jersey Shore Running Club. This is a great place to learn, meet other runners and best of all, raise money for local charities! https://register.jsrc.org/ Â
So grab your sneaks and start today!