Running is one of the most popular ways to exercise, thanks to its convenience—run anywhere, from city streets to country roads to high alpine trails. More than 40 million people in the United States run regularly, with 10 million of those running at least twice a week. Unfortunately, many of these people have experienced or continue to experience injuries, whether plantar fasciitis, illiotibial band syndrome, or stress fractures.
Learning any skill requires time and patience, and running is no different. Tired of running 5Ks every weekend and looking to move into the 10K, half-marathon, marathon–or even ultramarathon–distance? Here are five steps to making the jump.
Certain activities might not seem compatible with yoga–heavy lifting, for example, or scuba diving–but yoga can help athletes of almost any sport improve their strength, flexibility, and mobility. Running, on the other hand, seems made for yoga. Runners don’t necessarily need the limberness of a gymnast, or the flexibility of a performer in Cirque de Soleil, but running does require enough flexibility and mobility to prevent injuries.
Why did you start running? If I ask ten people this same question, I’ll receive ten different responses. Some are obvious: to lose weight, to gain cardiovascular benefits, to make friends. Others, however, are less so: to reconnect with my body, to destress, to teach myself dedication. Running has myriad physical benefits, but the psychological benefits are just as numerous. Here are five reasons why running is good for you–mentally.
Hundreds of 5Ks are held around the nation each year, and almost every major city has several 5Ks happening every weekend. Some races are geared towards obtaining your fastest 5K time while others are marketed as fundraisers. Still others let you dress up in costumes or run with your dog. Looking to join the fun but don’t know where to start? Here are five simple steps you can take to begin training for your first 5K race.
1. Start Slow