Active Running

You don’t have to cross a finish line, log double digits in miles each week, or wear expensive head to toe equipment to call yourself a runner.  There is no height requirement, specific body type, or knowledge of game rules required.  All you need is a pair of good shoes, a path and the motivation to get yourself up and out the door.  Anyone can run.  Anyone can be a runner.  There are many benefits to running and we recognize that motivation isn’t always easy to round up because running can be hard, at first.  Read on for reasons why you should lace up your shoes as well as tips on how to implement a new running routine you can stick with.

Running is a great way to tackle the extra weight.  It is a total body high impact workout and is considered one of the top activities for burning fat.  Aside from cross country skiing, running burns the most calories per hour than any other form exercise.  If you are looking for fast results, adding running to your routine will help you achieve the changes you want to see.  The high impact aspect of this sport is also proving to help prevent bone loss.  Some stress on the body is good, and running can help maintain your overall health and wellbeing.

The mental benefits are steep as well.  Combine the growing confidence from your own personal strength and growth with the added stress relief, the brooks motto ‘Run Happy’ couldn’t ring more true.

With all the added benefits to hitting the pavement, knowing how to start can still be tough.  Rachel Pustilnik, Certified Trainer and Running Coach at Mom’s Treehouse say’s that confidence building is everything.  “The first step is to convince yourself that you can.  Start positive thoughts that you can do it, I’ve done this with 100’s and now some are running marathons.”

Confidence is key and in order to maintain it, don’t be afraid to start off slow.  Rachel suggests making sure you can walk for 30 minutes of power without any pain before diving directly into a faster pace.  This will help keep you injury free, and headed towards the ‘fast track’.

To start, Rachel says to try a walk/run introduction.  Jog for one minute, and then power walk for one minute, for twenty minutes total.  According to her, this will help your body build the stamina and strength it needs as well as feed your mind the confidence necessary to reach your overall goal.

Focusing on building the right muscles will help you build up to running (or run/walking) three times a week with  an additional one day of walking. Rachel also suggests at least one day of cross-training focusing on core and hip strengthening.  Remember, you aren’t just training your body, you’re training your mind too.  Build up your confidence and remember, anyone can be a runner.  All you need is a good pair of shoes and the belief that you can.

Consult with a physician before beginning any new exercise.

For information on how to pick the right shoe, check back next week!