It’s that time of year already! The Boston Marathon
is right around the corner. Many people wonder why anyone would run more than 26 miles just ‘for fun.’ The truth is, running can be a great way to exercise, lose weight, and reduce stress, among many other reasons.
You don’t need to be marathon ready to reap the benefits, however. Start slowly and build yourself up. Your body will start conditioning right away, and you will be able to exercise longer and longer as you build up muscle and endurance.
Ready to give running a try? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:
How to Get Started
Before you hit the pavement, there is one piece of equipment that you will need; good running shoes. Take heed – this does not mean those old tennis shoes that have been buried in your closet for the last 10 years. Your shoes will be your foundation, so you need to make sure that they are solid. If you need help picking out a new pair, check out this guide from REI.
Once you have the right shoes, you need the right mindset. It’s easy to get overly excited when you start something new. Reign in your energy, and start slow. It is important to let your body ease into the effort that running takes. Start out running for a few minutes, then walking for a few minutes. As that process gets easier, you can increase the amount of time you run in each set. Eventually you will be able to run outright.
Running Safety Tips
Before you do your running for the day, make sure that you stretch out your muscles first. A few minutes of walking and another few minutes of stretches can significantly reduce your risk of injury while you run.
In addition, there are a few safety precautions that you should take depending on where you choose to run:
If you are a treadmill runner, make sure that you are familiar with your machine. Read all of its instructions before you begin, and always wear the safety key if one is available. Also make sure that your treadmill is in a safe place, and away from children, pets, and fragile objects.
Outdoor runners have a few more safety concerns. If outdoor running is more your style, make sure that you follow this list of safety tips:
- Ensure that you are visible. Wear reflective or bright clothing so that drivers can see you easily.
- Carry the essentials. While you want to run as unburdened as possible, you should always carry identification (like this Shoe ID ) and a cell phone. In case of emergency, you may also wish to carry a small amount of cash or an ATM card.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t tune out the world if you run outdoors. You need to pay attention to what is going on around you! Make sure that you can hear everything as well – don’t blast music or an audio book, as it could hinder your ability to hear car horns or other pedestrians.
- Tell someone where you will be. It is important that someone know the route you will be taking, in case of emergency. If possible, leave a map of your course with a friend or family member.
If you follow these tips and guidelines, you can start reaping the health benefits right away! Running can help you burn fat, improve coordination and versatility, relieve stress, and prevent loss of bone and muscle, among many other factors.
Running is even so beneficial that it can help you to prevent medical catastrophes such as heart attacks, stroke, and certain types of cancer. We know that you are protected by your health insurance if these conditions were to affect you, but wouldn’t you rather prevent them in the first place? If you do need to discuss your health insurance coverage, please call our office at 877.550.0025.
Photo credit: KJohansson / Foter.com / CC BY
