Urban Runner's Tips

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

26 Jun 2006 05:00 AM

Live in the city? Need to boost your running routine? Here are some urban running tips to help get you in better shape and stay safe during your workout. Runners enjoy and challenge themselves on a regular basis to meet their own personal goals. Runners need to maintain a healthy observance of their environment and their pace in order to protect themselves from injury both from their running and from the environment. This is never truer than when running in an urban area.

Look for Nature in the Concrete Jungle

It's better to run on dirt or grass trails in area parks if possible. When it comes to running, choose a dirt trail over a concrete one because it is kinder to the joints. However, it is better to avoid such areas if they are not well lit or if they are too secluded. It's also important to look out for uneven terrain, rocks or exposed tree roots and holes to reduce the risk of ankle sprains and falls.

Avoid Red Lights

When you're running down the block and the light is red, don't stop there and wait, just turn and either go around the corner or return up the block you came. Remember, when you're running it's important to sustain the elevated heart rate, infrequent or frequent stopping can cause your heart rate to slow and disrupt the flow of the workout.

Reflect Against the Traffic

When running at night or day, jog against traffic so you can see what's coming at you. Be sure to wear bright clothing during the day so that you are visible and reflective clothing after dusk and dark so that cars can see you. It's important to protect your personal safety while getting your exercise.

Traffic Jams are Not Your Thing

In dense urban areas, avoid areas of intense traffic patterns or traffic jams. There is too much car exhaust and pollution that you will be breathing in that can damage your lungs and inflame asthma, allergies and worse. It's better to run very early before traffic gets started or later in the day after it's already cleared through.

Remember, if you run for fitness, you need to take care of yourself while you are running. Without proper care, you might do yourself more harm than good when running.

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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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