Rules of the Road: Tips For Staying Fit And Keeping Joints Healthy Through Running
September 19, 2013
Running is one of the most common forms of exercise, among elite athletes and regular, fitness conscious people alike. Whether you jog three-to-five times a week to keep active – like myself – or you regularly train for ultra-marathons, there is always that underlying risk of injury. Runner’s knee, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, hamstring issues – all common injuries we don’t like to say out loud, but unfortunately are often associated with running.
However, no need to hang up your running shoes yet. Following are key tips for safe and healthy running:
- Support means everything. This comes from both the shoes you wear and the terrain on which you run. Having the right support in your running shoes is key. Be sure to take note if you are arched or flat footed, then do some research on the best running shoe for you. A lot of specialty running stores, like Fleet Feet Sports here in Raleigh (where I go), can help determine the right shoe for you. You should also consider where you will do the majority of your running. If you run on hard ground such as concrete, you will probably need more cushion than you would should you choose to mostly run in grassy and soft-grounded trail-like areas. The “give” of the terrain plays a major role on how your joints react to the impact of your strides.
- Listen to your body. Even the most experienced runners can still experience sharp pains brought on by joint fluctuation and agitation. This is especially common in knees. Although hips have a smooth ‘ball and socket’ joint and ankles are designed to accommodate impact and rotation, knees tend to fall short in the functionality department. Cartilage and tissues can rapidly wear down from over-exertion and lack of support and stability. Make sure you rest between runs and stretch liberally during your warm-up and cool-down.
- Cross-train. From preventing and rehabilitating injuries, to improving overall fitness, cross-training is key. Supplement your running with strength training, swimming, biking, yoga – whatever tickles your fancy.
- Jump on the yoga bandwagon. Yoga helps strengthen your core and makes you more flexible – two elements that can keep you running injury-free.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you lace up and hit the streets or trails. Happy running!
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read through content from other authors and use a little something from other web sites.
Excellent post. I certainly appreciate this website. Continue the good work!
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂
Very good article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the great writing.
After looking at a number of the blog articles on your website, I truly like your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and tell me how you feel.
Hey there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and in my view suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.|
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll send this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
I do agree with all the concepts you’ve offered on your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for novices. May you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you¡¦ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What an ideal web-site.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Good article and right to the point. I don’t know if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the website is very good.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Best wishes!!
http://education-connection.pissedconsumer.com/Education connection,education connection reviews/education connection complaints/education connection reviews and complaints
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!|
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the website is really good.