From Couch to 5k?

April 21, 2020 – Last week we discussed how to begin a walking program. For some of you reading this that will be enough for your fitness goals. But what about those that are wanting to take up running? Many of us have goals to attempt a 5k, half or full marathon, but how do we start training for these races?

The toughest thing for most of us to do beyond the initial thought of starting to run is to get motivated to do this. This can be a more easy transition if we develop a plan. This plan should include a regular schedule of when and how we are going to start running. It should have rewards for reaching milestones and timelines to get us ready to run a real or virtual race. The easiest place to start is to try to run for 1 minute and then walk for at least 2 minutes. This ratio can be adjusted for each skill level and progressed each week based on how you are feeling.

Once you get in the habit of starting to regularly begin to run then we need to start to think about our form. How do we make running more efficient and less work? First we need to make sure we have a good set of shoes that are fitted for us. There are several outlets for this at stores, online, or by talking to a health care professional. Next we need to think about our posture. We need to stand tall when we run and remain balanced. Breathing is very important and should be controlled and in a rhythm that works for you. Finally what are our legs doing? We need to think about driving our knee up towards our chest, reaching out for the ground, and then after we push off the ground bringing our foot up to our buttocks.

By starting to get into a routine and then working to make that routine fun, pain free, and efficient you will find that running that can be a very enjoyable activity. It is another excuse to get outside during the best time of year. It will release endorphins, often called a “runner’s high”, and leave you wanting more. And it can provide you with great weight loss and health benefits.

Below are links for references used to create this blog. These links have several running schedules included that may be a benefit in setting up your running program.

If you have any further questions about starting a running program or have any issues once you have started, please contact us in Louisville at 402-234-3333 or Plattsmouth at 402-298-4747.

Your Witte Physical Therapy team

#homegrown #backtolife

References:

https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/beginners/a772727/how-to-start-running-today/

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19935135/become-a-runner/

https://www.vox.com/2015/8/4/9091093/walking-versus-running