It's very significant to prepare your body appropriately before a morning run. But many have been mistakenly doing ways of warming up, which could negatively stress their bodies that could lead to weak performance. Here are running tips for starters that can help safeguard your success as a runner.
Five Top Running Tips For Beginners
- Stop Static Stretching - Many studies show static stretching may cause more damage than aid exercises. We learned it during PE classes in elementary or middle school. But the practice has been out-of-date. It could cut the ability to stride naturally and lead to slower starts, per Runner's World. Static stretching disturbs how the brain sends signals to muscles. It could then cause a protective reflex that lessens the strength and power of the muscles. An active warmup appears safer to prepare the muscles for a run. It "lubricates the joints before a run" as it contains moving muscles through a wide range of movements.
- Reduce Food Intake - Eating too much before a run has been found bad for any athlete. Running alters the normal blood flow to our gastro-intestinal (GI) system, leading to slow digestive process. As the food is not digested normally, you may experience GI pain, such as cramping or side cramps stitches. Those who run in the morning are not even eating at all. But those running later in the day must wait for at least one hour after eating before running.
- Avoid Over- Or Under-Hydrating - Running tips for beginners recommend that you should avoid drinking lots of water before running. Over-hydration has been found to be a very dangerous on running condition. To avoid such condition, check the color of your urine more often. Dark yellow requires more water, while a clear urine means overdrinking of liquid. A very light yellow color indicates normal hydration.
- Use The Bathroom - Running and bathroom habits should sync. Stop taking fluids 30 minutes before heading out for a run and make one last bathroom stop before the run too. For those who have bladder problems, plan your easy route where you can make a bathroom stop.
- Monitor Your Body - In some cases, runners overlook what they feel because of their excitement. If you're feeling achy or tired, stay safe and relax at home than on the road. Taking the risk could only slow down the recovery process of your body.