Running seems to be an easy sport, right? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Although most of us can just start running all of a sudden, that is not really the best way to start practicing this activity. In fact, if you have a sedentary job and you are not a very active person, would you be able to answer this question — when was the last time you actually ran?
It probably took a while for you to remember the answer to this question. Even if you had been jogging before and then became inactive, you will also need some time to get accustomed to running once again. Our legs, and especially our knees, can suffer a lot of damage if we don’t prepare well for the first running sessions.
Therefore, you should take a couple of things into account before you start jogging or running. Let’s take a look.
Check Your Safety
The main problem with our bodies is that they may not show any problems when in idle mode. However, as soon as we activate them, some injuries may come up. Therefore, it is important that you check any previous injuries which you have suffered, even if they occurred when you were a kid. Ultimately, you could visit a professional who can help you with this checkup.
Brisk Walking
Brisk walking is a simple warm-up technique that you should never skip. Basically, try brisk-walking up to 15 minutes before you actually start running. You don’t want to go too fast when doing this. Ideally, you should walk three miles per hour in order to get your heart pumping and blood flowing through your veins.
Don’t Overdo It
The most important thing is to start slow and slowly build up towards longer and harder sessions. Most people have a completely natural competitive instinct, and this can be noted if you go jogging with a friend. If they are too fast for you and can endure longer runs, don’t be ashamed to stop and call it a day.
In other words, you need to start slow and stop as soon as you feel the first signs of tiredness. Remember — running is an activity that cannot be increased after a couple of sessions. It takes time!
Get Appropriate Equipment
If you want to go jogging or running outdoors, it is extremely important that you bring appropriate equipment with you. First of all, make sure that you always have a water bottle by your side. Next, bring a towel, as well as a chocolate bar or something else that can lift your energy if you get very tired.
The most important thing is that you get good running shoes. If you run in shoes that aren’t suitable for running, you risk an ankle or a knee injury, especially if you run through unpaved paths.
Finally, it is always better to use suitable running clothes as they can also affect your performance. Make sure to avoid baggy pants or shirts and try putting on something tight instead which will not affect your skin once you get all sweaty.