How to Prevent Running Injuries Like Knee Pain and Blisters. How to Pick the Right 5K, 10K, Half, or Marathon Race. Vowed to sign up for a race this year? Before you do, make sure you're picking the right one. Here are four things to do before committing to a race. Poll your friends: Talk to your race-loving friends to see which courses they recommend, especially if you've never raced before. Your friends are a good place to start since they know what you like, can offer you their personal feedback based on their own experiences, and will be able to offer suggestions of races that gel with your personality and skill level. Do your research: Every course is different, so it helps to get as much info on the what those miles actually look and feel like before you commit. Check out race review sites like My Favorite Marathon, Yelp entries, or the Runner's World Race Finder for reviews and runner feedback on anything from the pre- and postrace logistics to the sights you'll see while you run.
Be prepared: Once you've picked a race and successfully registered, don't delay! Postrunning Stretches you might miss. After your run, your legs are probably in need of a good stretch. But it's not all quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Don't forget these areas when stretching after your jog. Hip flexors: Combat all that forward propelling (and desk sitting) with stretches that open up and loosen those all-important hip flexors.
Tight hip flexors can lead to back pain and a limited range of motion, so make sure you incorporate some of these hip flexor stretches into your postrun routine. IT band: Regular runners know that stretching your iliotibial (IT) band is very important, but if you've never had problems, it's easy to neglect the tendon that runs down the outer side of your leg. Calves: Calves have the luxury of being among some of the most-used muscles in your body, but many people ignore them after a run, which can lead to an overly tight and inflexible pair. Toe stretches: Your lower digits can use some attention too. Starting an Outdoor Exercise Routine. Has the warm weather gotten you inspired to start a new outdoor cardio routine?
Whether you've set your eyes on running, biking, or swimming, here are some things to remember before you begin. Biking Investing in a bike is exciting — once you find the perfect one for you, you'll be inspired to explore your town, take a long weekend bike ride, maybe even commute to work! But the process of finding the right bike and cycling routine takes a bit of thought.
Start your cycling routine off right with these tips: Buy the right bike: Do you want a road bike for commuting, a mountain bike for weekend trail rides, or something in between? Knowing the main purpose of your bike is the first step in buying the right kind of bike. Read on for more beginner outdoor cardio tips! Running Whether you're starting a running program or forgoing your normal treadmill routine, stepping outside to run for the first time in a while can be a rude awakening for your body. Recovering From a Long-Distance Run.