START
RUNNING
Running is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. It is a cardio exercise that helps lose calories and makes your body stronger.
TIPS TO START
- Do not Run – Jog!
Start with brisk walking and ease into jogging. Control your pace to avoid burnout. - Control your breathing:
If you get winded, pause and walk. Learn to pace and breathe efficiently. - Alternate walking and running:
Start with 1-minute walk + 1-minute jog. Gradually increase jog time. - Set a goal: Track your distance, pace, or prepare for a race to stay motivated.
- Don’t try to imitate others: Avoid signing up for a marathon just because it’s trendy. Instead, build up to it gradually—conquer 5K, 10K, and a half-marathon (21K) first.
- Warm up and cool down: Stretch before and after. Prevent injury with dynamic and static stretches.
- Listen to your body: Stay hydrated, take breaks, and avoid overexertion.
- Nutrition is important: For longer distances (above 10K) nutrition is important since your body will need extra energy.
Have fun: Enjoy the run — it clears your mind and lifts your mood!
BASIC EQUIPMENT
- Shoes: Investing in a good pair of running shoes is important to help support your feet and prevent injury. Look for shoes that are designed specifically for running and that fit well.
- Socks: Wearing moisture-wicking socks can help to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
- Clothes: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows your skin to breathe and helps to regulate your body temperature. Avoid wearing cotton, as it tends to hold onto sweat and can cause chafing.
- Hat or visor: If you are running in the sun, a hat or visor can help to protect your face and eyes from the sun’s rays.
- Water bottle or hydration pack: If you are planning on running for more than 30 minutes, it is important to stay hydrated. A water bottle or hydration pack can help to ensure that you have access to water during your run.
- Watch or fitness tracker: A watch or fitness tracker can be helpful for tracking your distance, pace, and other metrics.
- Reflective gear: If you are running in low light conditions, reflective gear can help to make you more visible to other runners and pedestrians.
- Headphones or music player: If you like to listen to music while running, a good pair of headphones or a music player can help to keep you motivated and entertained.
MAIN MUSCLES
Running primarily exercises the muscles in the lower body, including the:
- Quadriceps: Front of the thigh, responsible for extending the knee and flexing the hip.
- Hamstrings: Back of the thigh, responsible for flexing the knee and extending the hip.
- Gluteal muscles: Buttocks, for extending the hip and rotating the leg outward.
- Calves: Lower leg muscles, used for pushing off and ankle flexion.
Running also engages your core muscles, including the:
- Abdominals: Maintain posture and breathing control.
- Obliques: Aid in rotation and lateral movement.
- Lower back muscles: Provide spinal stability and posture control.
COMMON INJURIES
- Runner’s knee: Pain around the kneecap caused by overuse or misalignment.
- Shin splints: Pain along the front of the lower leg, common in new or returning runners.
- Plantar fasciitis: Heel or arch pain from strain on the plantar fascia ligament.
- Ankle sprains: Caused by twisting the ankle during unstable footing or fatigue.
- Stress fractures: Tiny bone cracks due to repetitive impact and overtraining.
Most running injuries can be avoided by listening to your body, progressing gradually, and using proper gear and form.
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