Running as an exercise has many benefits including:
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthens muscles
- Improves bone density
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
It can also be a great stress reliever and great fun, particularly if running with groups, friends or in ‘fun runs’.
Like all sports, you can become injured during running, so here are some helpful tips to keep you injury free and keep you running well.
1. Build up your running fitness gradually
Too fast too soon is a recipe for injury in running. You need to give your muscles, tendons and bones to adapt to the stresses of running.
If you are training for an event like the Sydney to Surf:
- Start your training well in advance (at least 6-8weeks)
- Start with a jog/walk combination if you are new to running
- Don’t increase your distance by more than 10-15% each week
2. Plan your relative rest
Relative rest is an important part of improving running fitness as it allows your muscles to heal, become stronger and energy systems to regenerate.
- Relative rest at least every alternate day to allow adequate recovery
- Allow adequate time frames (blocks) for your body to adapt to your running training schedule eg Week 1-3 weeks build condition for a steady jog, Week 4-6 increase distance, Weeks 6-8 increase speed.
- Have a relative rest one week or at least a few days before an event.
3. Add variety
As you build up your running fitness, if you do the same course, distance and/or speed your body will start to plateau.
Add in interval training or cross training to your running program to build running fitness.
4. Warm up
Muscles need to warm up before breaking out into a run. This ensures blood flow to the muscles and temperature is at an optimum before use.
- Walk to 3-5 minutes before running
- Do dynamic exercises before every run
- Make sure you warm up at least for 5 minutes before a running event.
5. Cool down
A proper cool down allows your heart rate to return to normal gradually, avoid pooling of blood in your lower limbs and to your body to return to its resting state as efficiently as possible.
Don’t stop your run suddenly.
Continue at a walking pace for 2-3 minute after your run.
For more information
If you need help with developing a running training program tailored to your specific needs, then call us on 9819 6151. We can help keep you running well.