The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/27737
Gone Running Danielle Tonner Start running Ah, spring is in the air. I am almost afraid to speak too soon. Last time I got my hopes up we ended up with two feet of snow. Well, nonetheless, I’m going to enjoy this weather while it lasts either way. So far, it has improved my mood tremen- dously. I went for a run with a couple of friends the other day when we had one of our first 50 degree days. It was phenom- enal. I even ran faster than I usually do. Maybe I just had a bit more pep on my step because the blood running through my veins was finally thawed. This was a risky situation because sometimes when we feel good we push ourselves a little too hard. If you’re new to running or thinking about starting I have a few tips that I hope will help you transition into becoming a runner safely and without injury (fingers crossed). Go to a reputable sneaker store and have someone fit you for sneakers. I am speaking from experience when I tell you do not skip this crucial step, especially if you’re new to running. Normally, the sneakers you wear for running will be a little different (if not a lot) from the ones you’re used to wearing. For me, I found out I needed to bump up a whole size for optimum fit. Of course I learned this post-losing a toenail. Get the right footwear Start out on a local track at a college or high school. It is a lot softer on the track than it is on the road or sidewalk, and it is even and flat as well, which is of course better for your joints. In addition, it is pretty easy to keep track of distance and just focus on your form. You don’t have to dodge potholes, uneven sidewalks, barking dogs, puddles or _ my all-time favorite _ a perfectly good, whole slice of pizza (who does that?!). Just pay attention to your posture and breathing, don’t clench your fists, relax, shoulders back, blah, blah, blah. The point is, just get your form right before you start worrying about building up speed or distance. Track it Now, most importantly, do not push it. I repeat, do NOT push it. You know what I’m talk- ing about _ You sit on your bootie all winter and then decide you’re going to get in shape, and what better way to do so than try to turn around six long months of couch-potato living in one long, hard, fast run. Do yourself a favor and pace yourself. Speaking of couch potatoes, check out www.C25K.com. This is an excellent website to help a newbie pace themselves to safely build up endurance. You’ll be running a 5K just in time for quite a few local races. Pace yourself Last, but not least, stretch. A lot of people skip this step, pres- ent company included, at times. Every time I do I regret it. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it. Hope to see you on the track. Finishing touches _ Danielle Tonner Danielle Tonner is a professional in higher education in ad- dition to being a wife, mother and runner. Maybe I just had a bit more pep in my step because the blood running through my veins had finally thawed. Do you think something should be seen in the SCENE? E-mail Cassandra at editor@otownscene.com March 24, 2011 O-Town Scene 11 2011Run &Walk heart America’s Greatest