Every day many people are injured while they are out running. The worst thing about this is that many times the injuries are avoidable. If you are a runner and you would like to know how to safeguard yourself against getting hurt, it would be a great idea for you to keep reading.
Do Not Push Too Hard
This is one way to hurt yourself quite easily. Everyone always mentions the importance of pushing yourself to do more. While there is nothing wrong with this, you should definitely impose a limit. For example, if you normally run a mile each day, do not attempt to double that in one day. Try adding a quarter-mile extra each week until your body is ready to handle the additional mileage. Many running injuries are caused by people forcing their body to do what it is not capable of, so be careful.
Wear The Right Shoes
If you have ever been in a shoe store, you know that there are different types of footwear available for people that are into different activities. You should not go out running unless you have purchased a shoe that was especially made for it. Running shoes usually have more arch support and shock protection than any other types. This is necessary to prevent damaged feet. In case you did not know, this is one of the more common injuries people experience.
Use The Right Surface
Most people do not want to venture too far from their neighborhoods when out for a run, which means that they end up running on asphalt or concrete. While this is not a problem every once in a while, regular activity can cause severe damage to the feet. If possible, look for an area that has dirt or grass. These would be much easier on the feet, which means you would avoid any unnecessary running injuries.
Do Plenty Of Stretching
While many people don’t really think about it, running is not just a sport; it can also be seen as exercise. This means that you should stretch beforehand the same way you do when you go to the gym. After doing a small warmup, stretch each of your muscles for 30-45 seconds. This will increase flexibility, which means that you will lessen your chances of sustaining an injury.
Drink Plenty Of Water
It is very easy for the body to become dehydrated while running. This is because large amounts of water are lost when the body sweats. It is your responsibility to replace the water your body loses. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should drink a good amount of water during your run. It may seem like something quite simple and useless, but it can prevent you from becoming dehydrated and/or overheated.
Running is something that most people do because they want to be in top physical form. Unfortunately, there is always a chance that they may become injured in the process. The tips above should be used to ensure a safe running experience.
