Spring Is For Running

Spring is for Running S pring is for running. When the sunshine comes out and the temperatures start to rise, I just want to run free and soak up the sun. Our winter has been a harsh one. Every single person I know is ready to see its end!

Friends and clients who regularly run are getting ready for the road races that begin every spring and take us through the summer. More and more non-runner friends and clients are catching on to the excitement and would like to become runners. In my experience, there are lots of people who wantto enter a road race and challenge themselves in a new way, but there are far fewer people who actually doit. While it does take preparation and consistent training to be ready for a race, the biggest hang up most wannabe runners face is themselves. Without previous experience, new things can appear huge and unattainable. Non-runners that I have spoken to feel too out of shape, too overweight and of course, too this and too that to take on a run. Here are a few tips to get those of you who would like to call yourselves runners out the door and running! Make this your year! 1. Set a goal and start small. Set a date and a goal you would like to reach by that date. For example, be able to run a mile by the time your fit sister comes into town so you can accompany her on her runs. Or, enter and finish a 5K in May. It doesn’t have to be a huge goal at first. Crystal Bryant, a personal training client and cosmetologist from Swansboro, says that putting in the effort it takes to prepare for a race is a part of what has held her back for so long. I always advise people to start small. Set easily attainable goals. This will raise your self-esteem, giving you the confidence you need to eventually reach the larger goals. Don’t start right out with the big goal looming large in front of you. Keep it simple. Keep it completely doable. Walk two minutes. Jog one minute. Repeat. Walk one mile, jog half a mile. Cool down. Before March ends you will be able to look back and see how far you have come and how much closer that big goal now looks.

2. Even better, set a goal with a friend or group. Accountability can sometimes make or break any goal, no matter its size. My clients have all been challenged to enter an April 2 road race. They will not only have my 100% support, but also the friendly competition of their fellow friends and training buddies. Knowing that someone is there to provide positive affirmation or a push in the right direction when you need it can make all the difference when climbing towards a goal. 3. Develop a training plan. There are plenty of good running plans available on reputable websites such as www.runnersworld.com andwww.running.competitor.com. Or, you can plan one of your own. Be consistent in your training and you will see results. Keep in mind, start small. To reduce the risk of injury, don’t increase your mileage by more than 10 percent each week. If you do suffer an injury at some point, don’t get down on yourself. At least 60 percent of regular runners have had a running injury or deal with chronic problems. It’s all a part of the game! However, by being smart and listening to your body, you can avoid a number of these problems. 4. Be practical. Keep to your training plan, rest when you feel you need to, invest in good running shoes. (Athlete’s Foot in Morehead City is amazing at finding the proper shoe for your foot and needs.) If you have been training and suddenly something doesn’t feel right, there’s probably a reason behind it. Our bodies are smarter than we usually realize. Setbacks do happen, even when we’ve done everything right. Push when you can, rest when you need it.

5. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and have a blast! If you feel inspired to jump into spring with all your might and make this your best year yet, here are a couple of upcoming races that are perfect for beginners and competitors alike. Choose a cause or location and go for it!€