So you’ve taken up running then? Wear the correct shoes!

RUNNING is the fitness choice selected by many, due to the fact it is so convenient and practically free to do, if you discount the fitness kit and trainers. 

You get to train outdoors, which is always a bonus, you don’t necessarily need a trainer or anyone else to train with you, just the motivation to get out there and enjoy yourself.

However one of the important and often overlooked things to consider when you are taking up running is the condition your body is in when you start, and the condition it needs to be kept in to keep you from injury. There is a huge difference between a conditioned gym goer and a complete beginner.  

• The first basic thing you need to make sure you get right is your FOOTWEAR. You may think this is obvious, but believe me I have seen people running in Converse All Stars, fashion pumps and worse. 

If you are to take your new sport completely seriously you need to have your feet measured and your gait assessed in a professional running shop. This way you will get the exact style and fit of running shoe that is going to one day take you through a 5km to 26.2 mile race. 

In the past I have trained clients that have suffered from shin splints from running and high impact exercises.  After making a podiatrist appointment and correct inserts were put in their training shoes they recovered and were able to continue running without pain.

• Another important thing to consider to prevent injury is CORE and GLUTE TRAINING. 

You may wonder why your backside should have any relevance to running, the truth is, it has a great deal. Your core including lower back, abdominals right through to your glutes, adductors, abductors and hip flexors, all need to be kept in a strong balanced state if they are to support your body through any future challenging runs or races.  

Consider adding some glute exercises to your weekly routines. 

Happy running!