If you decide to take up running there are a number of things you should do before you hit the road.
Speak to Your Doctor
Set up an appointment with your doctor to confirm you are in the proper shape to begin working out. Your doctor will applaud your decision and make sure they do not have any concerns about your health. They may even have a few words of wisdom to offer before they send you on your way.
Purchase the Right Equipment
It is very important that you hit the pavement wearing the proper shoes. Your shoes play a vital role in managing the way you run and assist in avoiding injury. You want to visit a good running store where experts can do a few quick checks to determine your foot biomechanics. The sports or physical therapy Florida runners need can help determine if you are a pronator or a supinator. A pronator requires more stability and a supinator needs cushioning.
Shop Wisely
When purchasing shoes it is important to shop in the afternoon or evening. Many people do not realize that feet accumulate fluid throughout the day and tend to swell. Shopping later will help ensure a proper fit. Do not rush through the process. Make sure you try on several shoe sizes and styles to find the right fit. Jog around the store to make sure you feel comfortable before you buy them. Be prepared to spend a bit of money as good running shoes don’t come cheap.
Strengthen and Stretch
Do some strength training with a focus on your hamstrings, quadriceps, calves and gluteal muscles and calves. This is an absolute must to protect your self from injuries and a visit for the physical therapy Florida runners often need. You must warm up and cool down before and after every run as your body will recognize the need to prepare for activity during warm up and rest during cool down.
Baby Steps
Don’t plan to run 10 miles your first time out. Start running slowly for short jaunts and increase your pace and journey gradually. It should be a gradual progression to allow your duration and intensity to improve. This will also hep you avoid joint and muscle injury. Beware of dizziness, difficulty breathing or pain. Slow down take a rest and go back to the doctor if it persists.
