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With summer just around the corner, it is time to wake up from that winter hibernation and get yourself back into shape for the beach! When most people think of getting back in shape they think of hitting the gym and pumping some iron or hopping on the treadmill. We want to be in and out of the gym quick, especially with how busy our schedules get in the spring.   Ideally you would do a 30-minute workout to make sure you get back in shape but don’t eat up all of your time. You’ll usually be able to squeeze …

This article was written to answer some of the most common questions asked by new runners and by people returning to the running scene after some time off. 1.  How long should my first runs be? Answer: During the first week or so, try to keep your runs to no more than 15 minutes. After that, your goal should be to increase the time very gradually. It is recommended that you increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week. 2. What should I do if I can’t run non-stop for 15 minutes? Answer:  In the beginning, most people have …

Loss of flexibility isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Ok, maybe don’t stop altogether, but you don’t need as much stretching while training as you may think. One of the more interesting effects of run training is reduced flexibility in the joints of the lower legs. In a word, the more you run, the harder it is to touch your toes. Flexibility is generally thought of as a good thing, and therefore the loss of flexibility that results from running has generally been thought of as a bad thing. But think about it: Why would running cause a physiological adaptation that …

If you’ve been in the running scene long enough, chances are you’ve heard about loading up on carbohydrates the night before a race. Why do they suggest doing this? The main reason is to make sure your body has a lot of simple sugars floating around that can easily be burned for energy. Carbohydrates are much more readily used than fats or proteins so it makes sense to have plenty of carbs before a race, right? Well, it depends on two factors; how long the race you’ll be running is and what your eating habits have been in the weeks …

When running, the average person will have a stride length of about 7 feet (2.1336 meters). This means that in a typical 5k race, a person will take 2,344 strides, equaling 4,688 steps. Using these same numbers, running a marathon could bring your step count to a whopping 19,763 steps! With all of these steps being taken while running, it is extremely important to make sure you have the right shoes for your feet. But how do you even begin to make sure you purchase the proper footwear? Here are six tips to help make sure you find the perfect …