This is day 2 of my “get back up to speed” running journey. My last post was about my desire to get back into trail running and using the Zombies Run app to help me. Well, now I have my wife and 17 year old daughter joining me. It’s good for everyone. Although, I may have made the promise to them for new shoes as a reward 🙂 Encouragement across fitness levels is key when groups are involved. One attempting to bring themselves to a higher level may seem great but it may just lead to injury. There is no contest so slow down, be there for each other, and it will all come together. When starting off as a beginner, there WILL be more rest days than you initially planned. Start off slow, with 1/2 to 1 mile at a time, even then only jogging 30 seconds and walking 30 seconds. After you’re completed, STRETCH. If there is one thing that I see all the time from beginning runners, is they fail to take the time to stretch. Stretching encourages blood flow and recovery by removing waste and lactic acid. Constant stiff muscles lead to injury, especially in the shins and achilles areas. Take care of them! Also, get a good pair of RUNNING shoes. The body takes a lot of extra shock and additional compressive force when we pound the ground so it’s imperative that shoes are fitted properly to your gait. I love the feel of Puma shoes but try a few brands. The best way is to find a running store to have your gait checked by someone watching you jog on a treadmill and they will recommend shoes based off that analysis. But, not everyone is comfortable with that.
Anyway, more about ZOMBIES! I don’t have chases turned on yet but I’ll eventually turn them on as I get back up to speed. Right now, I jog some, walk some, as my energy sees fit, and set the app to 2 miles. I think that’s a good starting point for not having done ANY running for about 10 years. Not to mention gained around 90 pounds from weight training (and some dad bod). Here is last nights:
Happy Trails
God Bless