By: John Hopple
Injury prevention is a very serious issue for those who run regularly, especially those who are in training for a particular race or event. In these cases injury prevention is not only important because it helps the runner to avoid a painful injury and potentially long recovery period but it is also critical because an injury can disrupt the training schedule and result in the runner not being properly prepared for the race or event. This article will provide some basic tips for runners which will help them to prevent injuries.
Well designed equipment which also fits properly can go a long way towards injury prevention for runners. One of the most important pieces of equipment for runners is their running shoes. Running shoes should fit properly, not be overly worn and should also ideally be designed to accommodate the runner's style of running. Additionally, running shoes should be replaced regularly to prevent injuries which may result from the running shoe being overly worn out. A good recommendation for how often to replace a pair of running shoes is every 300-500 miles. Runners should keep a detailed training log with a section for accumulated miles since the runner started wearing a new pair of running shoes. This will allow the runner to easily determine when they have reached the 300-500 mile range on a particular pair of running shoes and are likely to be in need of a new pair in the near future.
Stretching regularly can also help runners to avoid injuries. One worthwhile recommendation for stretching is to stretch during and after a run. Many novice runners make the common mistake of thinking they should stretch before their run but this is not necessarily true. Runners who stretch before they run are stretching cold muscles which are not as pliable as muscles which have been warmed up with a short jog. For example if you are planning to go for a five mile run, you might want to consider jogging an easy one half mile or a mile before you stretch to give your muscles ample time to warm up and be more receptive to stretching. It is also a good idea to stretch after you have completed your run. This will help your muscles to cool down properly and will aid in the recovery process of the muscles. This is important because the muscles can tighten considerably during the course of the run. Stretching them afterward will help to prevent a long term shortening of the muscles.
Nutrition is another aspect that a lot of people forget. Eating a diet of 60% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 10% fats will help the body recover properly. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables will feed the body nutrients it needs to take the pounding day in and day out. Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink right after a run. It has the perfect 4 to 1 ratio of carbohydrates and protein that have been proven to increase the recovery rate. Soon after your run it is also important to get in a meal with a lot of carbs like pasta and breads, which will also help with recovery and in turn prevent injuries.
The last component to help prevent injuries is to take in a lot of water throughout the day. Normally you should weigh yourself before you run to get your starting weight. When you are done running weigh yourself again. The weight that you lost is how much water you lost. Obviously during the summer you will lose more water, but it's important year round. Try to take liquids with you on a run so you do not have to bloat yourself after the run. Normally bring a water bottle or a device called a camelbak that you can put around your waist to carry your fluid. If you do not keep on top of the water issue your muscles will be more tired and more apt to be pulled or strain.
About the author
John Hopple is the owner of http://TheRunnersGuide.com a website that shares marathon running tips.
