Get Fit by Running

There are hundreds of ways to get fit and stay in shape, but running is near the very top of the list. There is no training, because everyone knows how to run. There are no membership fees. You don't need to drive somewhere (unless you want to see new scenery!). Good running shoes are the only equipment you need to buy. You can just throw on some clothes, lace up your shoes, and run out the door. Be sure to stretch, though, before and after your run. Stretch lightly beforehand, just gently moving your limbs through their full range of motion. Afterwards when your muscles are warm and loose, do deeper stretches, especially targeting your leg muscles.

When is the best time to run? That depends on the person. If you're an early riser, then running in the morning before school or work can be a rewarding experience. Most people haven't even eaten breakfast, but you've already completed your exercise for the day and you feel great! Also, in the summer the mornings tend to be the coolest parts of the day. I never enjoy running when it's extremely hot out. Assuming you're busy during the day, late afternoon is the next option. Late afternoon runs are especially nice in the fall and spring, because you might have a great view of the sunset as you run. They also tend to be warmer, which is good in winter, but not summer. Evenings are the third and final option (unless you are nocturnal). Evenings are great in those hot summer months. Everything starts to cool down, and you can hear the cicada songs.

Running is much more portable than a gym. You can go anywhere. If you aren't satisfied with the streets of your neighborhood, parks make a wonderful running location. Also, if your city has a network of greenways, those are marvelous.

There are many running plans available online and in books. I tried a 13-week program a while ago, but I found that it wasn't what I wanted. I had to keep checking my watch to make sure I ran for the designated time, then walked, then ran again--I was concentrating on time so much that I wasn't paying attention to my running. I gave up on the plans and started simply running. I never wear a watch anymore, because time isn't my concern. I run for the sake of running. After running like that for a week or two, I began really enjoying my runs. So, if you feel like a timed plan will help you, feel free to use one. If you feel like a timed plan will hinder your development, then don't use one. Try to improve on your own. Simply run as far as you can, and then run just a little farther.

By the way, running is very tough, especially if you've never run regularly before. Your lungs will burn, your legs will burn, and you will sweat. It's all worth it when you reach the point where you can run for miles without fatigue, or when you finish a marathon, or--if you're competitive--when you win a race. But until that point, it's a lot of hard work. When I feel the pain of running, I often get encouragement from a quote by Jacqueline Gareau, a Boston Marathon champion. She said, "The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed." Do you have that will?

Oh, and uh, consult your doctor before starting any fitness program...[insert legal jargon here]. If you have bad knees or asthma, running can aggravate your condition. Listen to your body. Use your common sense.

Further Reading:
Stretching Tips and Advice
Run-Mapping Website