Welcome back to this week’s edition of 2-Minute Tuesdays where we are talking about one exercise topic for two minutes and giving you three reasons why you should follow our advice. Now this week, we are talking to those of you who are preparing for running season. The weather is going to get nicer, the temperatures are going to get warmer, and you are looking to put some miles under your belt. How can you use your exercise to make sure your body is fully prepared?
1) Make Sure To Cross Train
Tip number one – make sure you are cross training year round. Especially now, when you are coming to the end of your running off season and are not quite ready to go outside yet, you need to make sure you are hitting the gym and doing controlled, full body weight training. As you know, as a runner, every joint in your body is moving and needs to be strong and stable as you run.
Action Step: Don’t prepare for running season by just running. You need to do more! Adding in resistance training on a regular basis will help to make sure that your body is able to tolerate the miles you are about to log.
Related: 3 Cardio Tips To Minimize The Pounding On Your Joints
2) Build The Miles Up Slowly
Tip number two – make sure to build the miles back up slowly. Even if you have been doing a lot of treadmill running or indoor running on a track, make sure that once you hit the outside pavement, you are regressing a little bit in order to progress without hiccups.
Action Step: However many miles you have been running consistently indoors, start at about 70% of that when you switch to running outside and consider increasing at a rate of 5-10% each week, as appropriate for your body.
Related: Working out outside? Stay safe with these tips!
3) Connect With Your Local MAT® Practitioner
Tip number three – if you are feeling aches and pains arise now, connect with your local MAT® practitioner to make sure that your muscles are operating optimally. These aches and pains will not go away if you continue to add miles and miles. If you are trying to progress with your running, you have to make sure these things are taken care of so you can stay running for the long term.
Action Step: In order to feel and function your best, find an MAT® practitioner in your area here!
