With the current recommendations around social distancing and infectious disease, we expect a significant increase in the number of people turning to individual activities, like running, to get their exercise fix!
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of us as a community contracting communicable diseases (such as viral infections) because it improves our immune system’s competency. Health guidelines state that where possible, we should exercise outdoors. Running and/or walking is a perfect way to improve your physical fitness, provide mental stimulation, and incorporate some mindfulness practice into your day. You also do not need anything but footwear and the outdoors.
Me and Kylie, my physio colleague at South Yarra Spine and Sports Medicine, wanted to highlight the low but potential risks associated with starting your running journey, particularly for less experienced people. The “how to” and “dos and don’t’s” to keep you on track!
Footwear
If you are running for any longer than 15 minutes you should be wearing a running shoe. There are lots of options to choose from, but as long as they are comfortable and fit your feet that’s a great starting point. If your shoes are heavily worn they need to be changed. Try to keep your shoes for walking and running only; playing court sports or soccer or lifting weights in the gym will damage their support systems.
A common fault we see in runners is a shoe that is too small. Please make sure your shoe has enough room at the toe. Likely ½ to 1 size larger than your normal day wear shoe.
Effort
The key when starting to build your aerobic running base whilst maintaining good form is to build gradually. There is nothing wrong with doing the odd sprint or hill effort but all up the hard stuff should only be 15-20% of your total running time. You can try to gauge your effort on a scale of 1-10 or consider tracking your heart rate during your runs to get a more accurate measure of how hard you are going. Keep your runs between a 5-7 RPE (judge it using this scale)
If you are new to running completely, start with a run:walk of ratios 30secs:30sec. Do this for 20 minutes every second day. You can walk the days in-between.
Variety
Once comfortable with continuous running, consider mixing up the terrain, location and speed. Little changes can help to maintain fun and enjoyment from your runs (particularly if you are training alone) and reduce some of the repetition that can lead to injury.
Education
If you would like to learn more information about running specifically tailored for you, please get in touch with the clinicians. We are here to help you, guide and educate. We will look at your running as an individual. We have systems in place if you do not wish to come to the clinic. We are available online and can chat to your further about this
Strength and Conditioning
Complementing your running with some strength based exercises is a key component to your running performance, but more importantly to prevent injuries. All exercises can be done at home or in a park. No need to go to the gym.
It is important to maintain good hip and pelvic stability, along with foot and calf strength.
Please chat to a clinician who can help guide you on which exercises are best suited to you as an individual. It is important to tailor the exercises to your current level.
Social Media
Post your runs on socials and see who else is out there running with you! The running community is full of good advice and interesting stories.
What if I’m sore/injured?
It would be great to prevent this from happening completely. But if you are feeling unsure on how to progress your running please get in contact with a clinician who can help guide you around this injury/soreness. We will be available online if you wish. There is a lot we can help you with to navigate through a niggle or uncertainty about running and even prevent an injury from happening.
If you have any further questions please contact us at the clinic. We will be offering online consultations for those who wish to keep their social distance, and we have the capacity to consult and assess your running this way.
Happy Running!
John and Kylie
For further info check out The Running Podiatrist or The Functional Physio
Comments