Running: On the Fitness Fast Track
By Susan McCadam Hoffman, M.S., Certified Fitness Professional
www.matmadness.com
Running for the “To Hell and Back Harrier”
According to Jeff Galloway, runners’ guru, There are very few people who should not exercise because of cardiovascular, structural, muscular, or other problems. It is very important to ensure that you are not in this risk category. So get cleared by your doctor for vigorous aerobic work, lace those sneakers and take to the road!
Where: Running can be a head game as much as an athletic one. Stay focused on the positives with the psychological paradigm of personal success. If you set reasonable goals and believe you can do it, you will! And although the sport is a solo effort when it comes right down to it, runners are social animals. Find a local running club to stay motivated and in good running form, then target a few races for the fall when the weather is at its best!
What to Wear: Go to a running specialty store, such as a Fleet Feet franchise location, and get a proper fit. You should be measured for not only for size, but for other important factors such as arch height, heel width, and gait abnormalities like pronation or supination. There are many well-designed options, each brand having distinct advantages. With the guidance of a trained pro, you’ll get the fit and feel that will keep your feet happy mile after mile.
And for those cooler runs, put on the most flattering high performance gear around
Brooks Thermal Visibility Pants on bottom and NightLife Vapor Dry 2 half zip on top. Find it on-line at http://www.brooksrunning.com/ or peruse the racks at your favorite store for something that not only catches your eye, but is visible in traffic for before- or after-work runs.
Favorite Running Move:
Fartlek Training (Speed Play)
Developed in the 1930′s, Fartlek combines continuous & interval training.
