Running Mistakes You Want to Avoid

By Donna Stark

In nearly every aspect of life, there are mistakes to be made, aren't there? And although some mistakes cause barely a ripple, many others can create some very real problems in a person's life. One of the "serious-types" of mistakes that a person can make is to not train properly, and that happens quite often with running. Running can be a high-injury sport if you aren't careful. It can easily lead to pain, injury, and significant health issues down the road. Take a look at just a few of the mistakes that many people make when they decide to incorporate running into their daily fitness routine.

Not Warming Up

Before you start pounding off those miles, you need to warm your body up. Taking just a few minutes before your run to warm up can help to get your blood pumping, which will provide fuel and oxygen to your muscles. The best way to warm up is to go for a brisk walk or an easy jog. After a few minutes, you can then start to run at an increased pace.

Going Too Fast

Be careful for those times when you suddenly feel like a superhero and want to run like a speeding train. Don't get yourself into trouble by letting your mind get ahead of your body's physical limits. Running at a fast pace, before you are ready, is a recipe for both injury and pain, so pay attention to what your body is really capable of.

Running All the Time

No matter what your fitness level, there will be times when your body needs to rest, so give it a break. If your muscles are feeling fatigued or sore, take a day off or try something different to do. Go for a walk, ride a bike, or expend your energy on a favorite hobby. By giving your body the time to rest, rebuild, and recharge, your future runs will be all the better for it!

Running When Injured

Understandably, you don't want to be stuck on the couch forever, but if you are injured or coming off of an injury, it's important to make sure your body can handle your workout. It's important to pay attention to whether your pain is increasing or decreasing. If it's increasing, you need to take a step back and try something else or stop running altogether. If the pain is decreasing, you can probably keep going, but should proceed with extra caution until you are fully healed. Ask your doctor or chiropractor for help in determining your best course of action.

Mistake-Free Runs

Running is a great exercise but it can also be the reason for your pain and injuries. Fortunately, you can keep yourself healthy and safe by making some simple adjustments to your behaviors!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hillsboro, Ore.