It’s Global Running Day! If you’ve been walking for awhile and are ready to pick up the pace a bit, introducing running can be a great next challenge.
(We should mention that with the air quality at dangerous levels across the country, today may not be the best day to head outside for a run. Hit the treadmill or keep this plan in your back pocket for now!)
When it comes to starting a running program, there’s one thing Dr. Paul Ochoa, a physical therapist and owner of F Squared Physical Therapy in New York City, wants beginners to know: Running is a sport. And just like any sport, you need to take the time to progress and expect some pain and discomfort along the way.
“All of that stuff comes along with any sport that you’re going to start that’s physical,” Ochoa tells TODAY.com. “Why? Because it’s placing extra stress on your body that you’re not accustomed to doing.”
However, if you are experiencing pain that “stops you in your tracks” or is “really consistent” and “doesn’t quite go away,” even if it seems tolerable, you should seek help from a physical therapist, Ochoa advised.
Many new runners make the mistake of jumping into running without any preparation, he said, though how much preparation they need depends on their unique athletic and medical history. But generally, new runners need to give themselves time to progress or risk increasing their chances for developing injuries that can hinder their progress.
“It’s all about habit forming,” Ochoa said. “That’s what I try to tell my patients. It’s best to create a habit of timely kinds of exercises that you’re doing on a frequent basis.”
If you’re new to running, you might be unsure about how to develop an effective running habit. After all, the internet is filled with all kinds of advice, and not all of it good. But generally, you should look for a plan that avoids doing too much too soon, and if you can, get a running coach. If you’re a new to running and…
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