Race for Life: Begin a lifetime of fitness?
This weekend Hartlepool showcases one of those rare sporting events where it really is the taking part that counts. The Race for Life is happening Sunday and is now proving to be the ultimate in ‘Fun Runs’. But if your going to do be doing it, why not go equipped with a few tips and give it your best shot – for who ever it is that your doing it for?
The start lines of these types of events are often very emotional. Given the heartbreaking cause, there’s an often-endless amount of emotion, some happy, some tearful. And because of this it’s easy to forget a few basic facts.
So hear are my top 3 tips to help you achieve your goal of crossing the line on Seaton front this weekend:
1.) Keep hydrated by drinking water little and often in the 48 hours before the start. Avoid fizzy energy drinks on the morning, they will not make you run any faster.
2.) Never stretch muscles that are cold. It’s the biggest mistake of fun runs. Make sure you’ve ran on the spot for 7-8 minutes before you attempt to stretch any muscles.
3.) Choose the right footwear. Your plimsoles may look great, but they aren’t great for running in. Choose a nice soft cushioned pair of running shoes to avoid unnecessary pain in places like Achilles and shin splints.
(More sports injury advice is waiting for you here: www.paulgoughphysio.com/sports-injuries)
And for after the race, ice is always the best way to avoid those unwanted next day aches and pains. You could try sitting in an ice bath for 10 mins like the great marathon runner Paula Radcliffe would do, or get a nice deep massage on your calf and hamstring muscles which will likely be sore the next day. If this is your first run or this sort, don’t be surprised if you struggle to walk down the stairs the next morning – it’s an inevitable consequence of taking part.
The really great thing about these types of events is that it can often introduce a person to a lifetime of keeping fit. If it’s the first time your running, pay attention to how great you will feel at the end of your run. It’s caused by chemicals called endorphins and these things are what will make you feel fab! They can also help you think positively and much more clearly. It’s the reason some of the best thoughts you’ll ever have are likely to be whilst your walking or jogging.
More sports injury advice is waiting for you here: www.paulgoughphysio.com/sports-injuries
You might know Paul as an expert Columnist who writes weekly health articles for TWO of the North East's biggest daily Newspapers, The Northern Echo And The Hartlepool Mail, he is a regular Speaker at Industry Seminars around the globe and a Radio Personality, often heard on the BBC. Paul has been an expert guest on dozens of Radio shows and regularly interviewed in newspapers, magazines and trade journals all over the world, including the Guardian.
Paul’s background included working extensively in the Premier League with a Top Professional Football Team, and since quitting his job in Professional Football in 2007, his Physio Practice has become the fastest growing in the UK and biggest in the North East. So successful, that companies like BUPA, ASDA, The Vela Group And Coast & Country, repeatedly retain his Physio company's services to keep healthy their own staff and workforce. Paul Gough Physio Rooms is now a large multi-physio, multi clinic speciality practice in Darlington, Durham, Guisborough and Hartlepool.
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