Running for Fun and For Health

1. Talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional before you start any type of running program. They will be able to help you assess your current fitness level and will give you guidelines for how much to exercise and nutrition advice as well.

2. Your clothing and shoes will be really your most important running equipment. But, you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy all new stuff once you start to run. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and climate if you are going to run outside. Your shoes should be comfortable and fit well. Once you start to run for longer distances you may want to purchase some better quality shoes with advice from a specialty running shoe store.

3. Warm up before you start to run. This will get your body ready for the increased activity and will help to limit injuries. Stretch your calves and thigh muscles and walk briskly to get your heart rate up.

4. In the beginning you can alternate walking briskly and running for short distances to get accustomed to the activity. If you are new to exercise, you should probably only go for 10 to 20 minutes for the first few times out.

5. Set goals that are reasonable. If you want to do a 5K run, then set little more manageable goals that you can do to reach your big goal. If you are too ambitious in your start, you may burn out too quickly and not reach your goal.

6. Cool down at the end of your run. Stretch again and walk slowly. This will help to keep you from getting sore muscles and limit injury as well as increasing flexibility.

7. Eat right. Give your body good nutritious fuel to work with. Use a calorie calculator online to find out how much you will need for weight management or loss.

About the author: Eriani Doyel writes articles about Sports. For more information about running shoes visit runninge.com