Part 2 of Running Basics

Monday, April 09, 2012 · Mike Davis

Back to basics part 2

Happy Easter to each and every one of you!

Last week I talked about getting out and running and the why, this week I’m going to talk about the actual running. I understand that some of you never stopped and some have already gotten started, but it never hurts to think about some of the basics. One of the beauties of running is that it can be quite simple; shorts, shirt, good running shoes and you’re off running! Ideally yes, but it pays to consider a few other things.

Do you need a plan? Depends on your ultimate goal and if you are disciplined enough to maintain a running routine. If your goal is to run 5K and 10K races, a plan might be helpful to guide you, but you can struggle through a few miles each time out and hopes that whatever race you sign up for will be easily completed. Better to have a running plan that motivates you to run as regular as possible. So you aren’t planning in any races, so you don’t need a plan. Maybe, but much like training for a particular race, it can be difficult to get yourself out there to run when there’s no particular motivation. Having a plan that helps you to get out there and some idea of how far to go on a given day can keep it simple and motivating. It’s easy to be inconsistent without a plan and no matter your reason to run, a running plan is always helpful.

Do I need new footwear? Those shoes you tucked away in November only had a couple hundred miles on them and they look okay. Probably they still have one to two hundred miles on them if they did nothing but sit in your closet. IF you used them to workout in the gym, continue to do that, but it’s time to get a new pair of running shoes. You may not have been putting miles on them, but they lose some of that cushioning. Losing the cushioning will affect your gate and you may start feeling some different aches and pains. If you are unsure, go to your local running store with shoes in hand and let them help you. Running shoes are a bit of a controversy right now and that conversation is for another day, but running in worn out cushioning is definitely a no no.

Cross training?? Get more out of your running; add some strength training and some other cardio you might enjoy. Taking a bike ride instead of a run on a particular day is never a bad idea. Overuse of the same muscles and joints is probably the greatest reason for those injuries that frustrate us and some cross training is a great way to vary the repeated stress. Strength training is also important as a strong core is critical to protecting your gate’s consistency. We don’t do enough of this!

Patients! If you haven’t been running, be patient and start out running some easy miles and build on them. There’s lots of running season ahead and trying to do too much too soon can lead to injury or even running frustration. That frustration can lead to passing on a run or even not running eventually. Have a plan, go easy and make it fun.

Finally, have fun and enjoy your time in your shoes.

Time to get a plan and commit yourself to running. Hookup with some friends, check out the local groups and by all means let me help you.

Once again I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a great week ahead. We at No Finish Line Running want to be there for any running help you might need.