Motion is Life

I think perhaps we shall change up a bit and, for the sake of my sanity, I'll post a new section or two every day instead of trying to post one huge one on Mondays. Hope that works for everyone...please check back everyday for new info. Today we'll start with:

Motion is Life

Now that you've added a little more running into your routine, you may be experiencing some common problems such as muscle cramps, blisters, and side stitches. Here's some suggestions on how to run around these setbacks: First make sure you're warming up appropriately before you begin running. You don't really need to do a lot of pre-run stretching, but just some simple things can be very helpful. Try the over-head stretch described below, along with some air squats, and jumping jacks to get things moving around. But what if you still experience some discomfort?

Muscle Cramp

Stop running and apply pressure to the muscle. Just press firmly for 15 seconds - don't massage. Then gently stretch the muscle. Repeat this process until the cramp subsides. Walk a bit before picking up the pace.

Blister

If you're not running/racing very long/far, just keep going. Otherwise, you should deal with a blister pretty soon. Cover it with a Band-Aid or moleskin. You might also check your laces. Tightening them should stop heel slippage (a common cause of blisters), loosening them could take pressure off a "hot spot."

Side Stitch

Try to take notice of which foot is hitting the ground when you inhale and exhale. Then switch the pattern. If that doesn't help, stop running and reach both arms above your head. Bend at the waist, leaning opposite the stitch.

The moral of the story is not to give up just because you may be feeling some discomfort. There's usually a good reason why and a way to recover or prevent these problems from cropping up in the first place.

Keep moving...you're doing great!

Check back tomorrow for the recipe of the week/name that food, and some interesting info. on that multivitamin you're so faithfully taking.