Running Wild

Written by Mary Mayfield

( 19 Votes )

So, you've decided to start running.

Okay, you've decided to someday start running.

Okay, you saw a commercial on television for a pair of running shoes and thought it would be cool to be a runner, then changed the channel to catch the latest episode of The Biggest Loser.

Believe it or not, whichever category you find yourself in, you are still one step closer to becoming a runner. This is a good thing. Study after study has proven that running can lower blood pressure and increase mental acuity, as well as helping to prevent bone and muscle loss. Hands down (or should I say feet?), running is one of the best ways to get in shape, stay healthy, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought you would. That said, there are a few things you should know before you abandon Bob and Gillian altogether.

Assuming that you have already gotten clearance from your doctor to embark on a demanding, yet satisfying running regimen, and you have been in Colorado long enough to become acclimatized to the altitude, remember these three words: Shoes! Shoes! Shoes! Shin splints hurt and sore feet suck. Newbie runners have enough to contend with without adding damaged digits to the mix. Do you overpronate? Do you underpronate? Do you have high arches or flat feet? Good shoes are a must, and the best way to ensure picking the proper pair is to have an analysis done by a seasoned pro. For example, Runner's Roost in downtown Colorado Springs will check out the shape of your feet, look at how you stand, watch how you walk, and then make a recommendation. They also offer a 10% military discount, as well as discounts for membership in certain running clubs, and you get to take the shoes for a short test run to see which ones really feel the best.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that running shoes are a lot like tattoos; good ones are never cheap, and cheap ones are never good. I have learned that the hard way (fortunately only in reference to shoes). I run a lot happier now that I’ve discovered the Brooks Adrenaline stability shoe and am so much more comfortable than when I used to wear a cushioning shoe. I have also learned that splashing out a bit to buy a good pair of running shoes motivates me to get off my bum and keep my hard-earned cash from being wasted. A word of caution though: while you want to get your money’s worth out of your shoes, do so by running and running only. Having a pair of shoes dedicated to running is fantastic, not only because you get more runs out of them, but there is also the Pavlovian kick in the keester you can get from knowing that when you put on your running shoes, it is time to run.

This brings me to the subject of clothing. While shoes are arguably the most important gear a runner needs, what you wear does matter, especially when running somewhere like Colorado. The Centennial State may average over 300 days of sunshine per year, but that doesn't mean much when a good many of those days will see temperatures that are well below freezing, especially in the wee morning hours and late evening. Between career and family demands, those are usually the times most can manage to squeeze in a run, which is fine if you are prepared for the weather by wearing the proper clothing. I prefer wearing the Under Armour® brand because I really like the moisture-wicking feature of the material, as well as being able to buy clothing appropriate for different seasons. Under Armour® makes clothing that will hold in your body heat and keep you warm in extreme cold, as well as making clothing that will breathe and keep you cool during warmer weather. The same rule for buying shoes also applies to clothing; you get what you pay for. Under Armour® may seem a bit pricey, but the quality and durability of what you get makes it worth the investment. Also, having “real” running clothes has the same effect that having a dedicated pair of shoes does. If I dress like a runner…and I feel like a runner…get the picture?

Shoes and clothing aside, there is one more thing I would like to add. As with any outdoor activity, always, always, always protect your skin! I never go out without using sunblock on any exposed skin, as well as wearing a hat to protect my eyes and face. In warmer weather, I like to wear a vented running hat (brand doesn’t really matter; all the big names make one) because it helps me stay cool. In colder weather, I still wear the same hat, along with something to keep my ears warm. I have worn fleece skull caps, but I like something with a brim to keep the sun off my face and shield my eyes, even though I generally wear sunglasses. In the beginning stages, it’s all about trial and error to see what works for you.

It may go without saying, but I will anyway; when it comes to the subject of running, shoes and clothing are the very tip of an iceberg massive enough to sink the Titanic. I know it. You know it. If it all starts to become too daunting, remember that the one thing that everything requires is a beginning. No one has ever, or will ever, run a marathon without running that first step. Even if pounding out 26.2 miles isn’t your goal, the worst that could happen if you give running a try is you might lose weight, get in shape, and feel good about yourself.

So, be careful, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to run wild!

Resources/Further Reading:

Building Strong Bones: Running May Provide More Benefits Than Resistance Training.  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227080005.htm

Improve Your Brain: New Ways to Help. http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html

The Runner’s Roost : http://www.runnersroost.com/