Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Running Tips For The Beginner

By Melissa Goodwich

If you are thinking about starting to jog, then good for you. I am going to try and help you and make it easier for you to get going. Here are some tips for the beginner that will help you get the most out of your experience in the runners world.

Before you start getting out there and working those legs you must make sure that you have the appropriate running shoes, and that they fit properly. This is probably the most important part of running, and make sure that you get them replaced at least twice a year.

Before you go out jogging I highly recommend that you are properly hydrated. Hydration starts the day before. If you are drinking at least 60 ounces of water a day then you should be in good shape.

The number one reason people get injured from jogging is that they do not stretch their leg muscles. This should be done prior to beginning your run, and right after you are done with your run to reduce the possibility of injury.

So you got the shoes, you are properly hydrated, now all you need to do is find a area to run at. If you have a park or a trail with some nice views around you home I would start there. I try and stay away from treadmills, as they are more difficult to run on in my opinion.

For the beginner you do not want to push yourself too much at first. Begin with a mile or two, you will have plenty of time to pick up the pace and increase the distance you are running as long as you stay consistent. Keep working and you will see improvement.

For the beginner I would jog 2-3 times a week, keeping it between 1-2 miles. The fourth week I would take off completely to give your legs plenty of time to heal. Then the 5th week you could increase the distance you run to something more comfortable.

Consistency is the key. It will not hurt to take a week off though here and there to ensure all of your muscles recover, especially if you get shin splints, which are a runners nightmare. Set a goal to eventually get up to 4-5 miles when you are going for your routine jogs.

Jogging can be a great way to build endurance, lose weight, and overall feel healthier. Just don't over do it and make sure that you drink plenty of water and stretch your legs before and after runs to minimize the chances of injury.

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