Are You Running

Running is easy, right? If so then that means anyone can just run. That may be true to an extent, however there are many other factors that must be considered. Such as are you an experienced runner, a beginner, are you overweight or do you have any medical issues or physical limitations that may prevent or make running more difficult.

Then there's also the aspect as to if you enjoy this type of exercise. And I say this with much respect to all runners out there - I HATE RUNNING!!

My clients and friends already know this; I do not enjoy running, it doesn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong I love sprinting, playing basketball, baseball and football. But running as a sport or because of passion... hmmmm nope! Running for miles and miles is not my thing.

Yet running is part of our Strength & Conditioning Boot Camp program, and many of my clients and friends are runners. So let me take this moment to say how proud I am of them, because many have overcome difficulties  and taken on the challenge to become runners. Some of my clients like Jen Kellman, could barely run enough around a parking lot about 2 years ago. Now she can run easily a 5K (barely any sweat) a 10K and is getting ready for a half marathon.

And just like her many more are becoming runners, some because it's their passion and others because they see it as their only way of getting in shape.

So let me clarify something; I hope you do not see running as the only way to get in shape and I hope you are not the type of person who's never ran or jogged before and suddenly gets off the couch and decides to run for miles and miles. Doing so will most surely lead to over-training, which leads to shin splints, knee pain, inflammation and other injuries; some which could be serious.

Just like any other goal you need a plan. For example, one of my clients Kathy bought a podrunner and followed the program several weeks into her first 5K! She was ready and she did great!

TIPS FOR RUNNERS:
So if you are  beginner, start out easy and build your runs slowly. Take into consideration the terrain, flat surfaces are always better when you start. Value your rest/recovery days cause you might have soreness in your calf and thigh muscles. As you get better gradually increase the intensity of your training (these tips are recommended by runner's guide, runner's world and other experienced sources - plus its also based on my the advice of some colleagues, and running clients, as well as my professional fitness experience when it comes to proper conditioning).

Sprinting, plyometrics and strength training also helps to condition your body. By strengthening your hamstrings, glutes and low back; you balance out your body ability to move forward, such as when you run.

Stretching is very important, essentially because the more you train the more your muscles get tight. In order to run better and be free of injuries make sure your hamstrings and calf muscles are elastic enough.

Those are just a few suggestions and I hope you enjoy your running. This will be the first of a series of post that I'll be making to answer a few questions I get regarding running,conditioning and fat loss.

As far as running goes for me, I made the commitment to two of my clients that I will run with them in the near future a 5K. I do not know how I got myself into this, but I did. However I won't be running more than that, personally I think its insane to run more distance if I'm not being chased by a dog or my life actually depends on me running and escaping... it is what it is. But I tip my hat off to you!!

I do hope the advice is of value to you and I look forward to hearing how well you do. Keep me posted!

Dedicated to your success!

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