R is for Running

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

24 Jul 2007 11:07 AM

In How to Get Started ... Running we discussed the facts about running:

• It is an exercise you can take anywhere
• You do not need a lot of special equipment to run
• You can run outdoors
• You can run indoors
• Running is a cardiovascular sport that boosts your metabolism, strengthens your heart and burns a ton of calories

Running is not for everyone, though. For example, I have a bad knee and a lot of running is far too punishing for my knee. It hurts me more than it helps me. I prefer fitness walking and bicycling to running. On the other hand, I know runners who prefer the feeling of slapping the pavement with their feet. They like the way their heart races and the sweat trickles down. They like the rhythmic pounding as their heart and their feet drum out the cadence of their fitness.

As physical activities go, running is right up there with sports for getting your adrenaline flying. Running can be high or low impact, but whether you 'jog' the low impact version or you 'run' the high impact version, your body releases a lot of endorphins - all designed to boost your performance and how you feel. Those endorphins are what make you feel like you're flying when you're running. They make you feel like you can go anywhere and do anything and that's what makes running such a great complement to any personal workout - especially if you enjoy running.

Be sure to check out the articles on running here in the fitness blog. They are designed to help you maximize your workout, to get started and to build a running program that works for you. You should also find strength training tips on how to strength train if you're a runner.

Do you put the R in Running?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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FitClubScott (5) 27 Jul 2007 04:22 PM

I would suggest a book called The Beginning Runners Handbook to anyone interested in starting a running program. It's a 13 week walk/run program that progresses to a greater amount of running, leading up to 60 minutes of solid running. I've been running for 10 years now and everytime that I've stopped for whatever reason, I've always used this same program to get started again. Good luck

http://thefitclub.blogspot.com

Heather Long (16954) 27 Jul 2007 04:24 PM

Thanks for dropping in Scott. I'll be sure to check that book out. I appreciate the suggestion.