Beginning Running An Introduction

Where to start?

Keep it simple start with the first step and you are on your way, one step at a time thereafter will continue your journey.Whatever your reasons for beginning health, fitness, comradeship, stress relief, a general feeling of well being, convincing by any of the zen masters or gurus of running that it"s a panacea for all ills, enjoy your adventure.Remember being told that movement was one characteristic of a living organism, well welcome to the world of the living.

How to start successfully is the question?

Some of you may have had past positive experiences with running and beginning anew, others with little or no background, as impossible as that may seem, and not have run or enjoyed running very little.Whatever your background and motivation you'll want it to be an enjoyable and successful experience.

Moderation at the outset is essential as running is an activity which can definitely benefit your physical, emotional, and psychological well being.We must bear in mind however that the nature of the activity stresses the muscular, skeletal, cardio-respiratory, metabolic and immune systems etc. to a greater or lesser degree depending upon the intensity of the exercise. Before beginning a past self analysis of activity is warranted. Those involved in other high impact sports: soccer,basketball, hockey, etc.will require lesser adaptation times than those of who have been inactive for some period of time. The fortunate thing is that the body adapts gradually to increasing demands imposed upon it, unfortunately it also adapts to inactivity. The old saw, use it or lose it certainly applies. An honest self-evaluation and medical examination, preferrable a stress test before beginning would be beneficial. Some general considerations as to long term aims should also be considered.

The Basics

A gradual adaptation to exercise levels- walk before running to permit some muscular. tendon, ligament, skeletal accomodation. Acceptance that rest and recovery are valuable components of any training regimen and session. A readiness to educate yourself to some extent regarding training methods and pocedures and how the body physically and mentally responds.