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!
Hello, I enjoy reading through your post. I like to write a little comment to support you.|
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find out some additional information.|
Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossip and internet stuff and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for making this website, and I’ll be visiting again. Do you do newsletters by email?
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people for this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hey there! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask. Does managing a well-established blog like yours require a large amount of work? I am brand new to blogging however I do write in my diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!|
This is the right website for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been discussed for years. Wonderful stuff, just great!
I just like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently. I’m moderately certain I will be told many new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!|
This article will help the internet people for creating new weblog or even a blog from start to end.|
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today.|
Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the good spirit.|
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!|
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your web site in internet explorer, would test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a big part of people will omit your wonderful writing because of this problem.|
Whats up very cool web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally¡KI’m happy to search out a lot of helpful info here within the submit, we want develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
I every time spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s articles or reviews everyday along with a mug of coffee.|
If some one desires to be updated with newest technologies after that he must be visit this site and be up to date all the time.|
It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts from this post as well as from our dialogue made at this place.|
Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more very soon!|
Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.