So maybe you hung up your sneakers for a while. Perhaps you did a long race and felt like you needed to treat yourself to a few weeks (which turned into months) of resting. Or maybe work picked up and you just couldn’t find the time to hit the pavement or treadmill. If you’re feeling the need for speed and you want to get back to your running routine, we have some tips that might help.
Don’t Go All Out on Your First Run Back
You may feel energized and excited to get back into shape, but remember that you want to create a sustainable routine. You don’t want to injure yourself and damage the chance for you to run in the coming weeks. Start slow. If you’re struggling to run what was once an easy distance, incorporate some walking intervals. Remind yourself that with work and persistence, you’ll get your fitness back.
Stretch & Listen to Your Body
Make sure you adequately warm up before working out and cool down once you’ve finished. Runner’s World recommends walking a few blogs and building your jog gradually until you’re at your normal pace. It’s important to slow it back down after your run for a cool down. Get some good stretching in both before and after your run. This will help prevent sore muscles after your workout.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hydration is key to a successful workout and recovery. For every 1% of body weight lost through sweat, heart rate rises an additional three to five beats per minute according to MedicineNet.com. Don’t just start thinking about hydration as you run. Hydrate beforehand so that you’re better prepared for your workout. Learn more about pre and post run hydration on Runner’s World.
Consider Your Kicks
If it truly has been a while since you’ve been running, you may be due for some new shoes. It’s generally recommended that you upgrade your road-weary sneakers every 300-500 miles. If your shoes are showing damage and are losing the tread, you should think about buying a fresh pair as you jumpstart a running routine.
Ask for Help or Support
Getting support from family, friends and more can empower you in reaching your goal. We’re happy to talk fitness with you at Push Pedal Pull and explore how a machine you currently have, or might consider, could aid you in your efforts. Grab a running buddy, use a fun app on your computer or phone, create a fresh playlist and get to moving!