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!
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
kredyt bez bik
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read articles from other writers and practice something from their sites.
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
I was excited to discover this site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff in your site.
You should take part in a contest for one of the greatest websites on the web. I am going to recommend this website!
There is definately a lot to know about this topic. I love all the points you made.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
I think one of your pdodusys advertisements caused my browser to resize, you may well want to put that on your blacklist.
Howdy are pdodusys using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Right here is the perfect site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!