First Steps: Getting More Out of Your Run

The Floco Festival 5K and Fun Run is just a few weeks away at Wildlight, and we look forward to seeing community members, runners and all our guests who participate. Running can seem like an intense or intimidating activity to take up, but here are four tips to keep you motivated:

1. Start Your Day With a Run
It’s easy to begin the day with good intentions of taking a run, but then unexpected events get in the way, or you just run out of energy or interest. In addition, a late run can actually hinder your sleep habits, as the endorphins you produce from running keep you awake at night. Instead, get ahead of any conflicts and put those endorphins to good use with a morning run — it can actually make you more productive as you use that positive energy to do more throughout your day.*

2. Get a Running Partner or Group
Having someone to run with helps keep you accountable. It’s tougher to skip out on your daily run when you have to cancel on someone else. A running group also provides a social aspect to running that can enhance your enjoyment. Choose wisely, though, you want to find a partner or group with a similar pace to yours, or maybe a little faster if you’re looking to improve your running times.

3. Find the Right Shoes
The right running shoe doesn’t need to break the bank, but finding the right fit and support can save you a lot of discomfort in your feet, legs and back. Your best bet is to go to a running store and work with a professional to find the right style of shoe for your needs. Most stores these days have advance equipment to track things like the size and shape of your foot, and how your foot contacts the ground, to help find complementary footwear.

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This is good advice even if you don’t run, but its exceptionally important to maintain your water intake if you’re running. Water will help prevent cramping, so you don’t wreck a potential personal-best run. And drinking after your run will help replenish fluids you sweat out on the road, track or path. For long-distance runs, consider a running belt or even a hydration pack to keep water in easy reach.

Hopefully these tips help you hit the ground running. If you’re at the Floco Festival and join in the 5K or fun run, share your pictures and experiences with us here in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter. We’ll be here to cheer you on!

* https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20814665/12-habits-to-keep-up-your-running-motivation/