Tips For Fun Runners (Santa Fun Run)

So this Sunday sees the return of the “Santa Fun Run” in Ward Jackson Park…

And, after being in the Cafe In The Park there at the weekend, enjoying a latte AND a nice bacon sandwich (…do as I say, not do as I do!), I’m reliably informed by the staff that they’re expecting the best turn out yet for the annual fun run in aid of the hospice.

So with that in mind, what I thought would be fun this week would be to give you some “tips” for running the half mile through the park that might make it a little easier to get round in one go.

If you’re brand new to this type of thing, or running for “half a mile” non stop is something that you’ve never done before, then here are three things to take into account before you arrive. Note: the last one being the one that everyone should be aware of:

1.) Footwear – Trainers don’t need to be all that expensive but don’t under estimate the importance of a decent pair of running shoes.

Tennis shoes wont do, the trendy ‘six-fifty’s’ or white plimsoles are defiantly out and resist the temptation to choose those old tired running shoes you’ve occasionally used over the past few years.

To reduce the risk of injury you need fresh, well cushioned proper runners. After all, running shoes are designed for running and if you’re a beginner your legs are going to need all the protection they can get.

2.) A simple warm up – most fun runners make the mistake of either doing the wrong type of warm up, or forgetting to do one at all! Yet, all you need to do is jog up and down on the spot for about 5-6 minutes and then gently stretch the muscles you’re about to use – such as your hamstring, calf and Achilles.

Most people stretch these muscles without being warm, and that makes them MORE likely to get injured than had they done the stretch in the first place. You could have some fun doing it – get together in a small circle with all the people you’re running with, hold hands, jog on the spot for 5 minutes or so and then do 3 or 4 simple stretches.

3.) Fluids – even though it’s going to be pretty cold, the fact you’re likely to be wearing a big heavy Santa suit means that you’ll sweat a lot easier and more quickly that you might think.

And if you’re sweating then you’re “dehydrating” yourself which means you’ve got to replace that fluid quickly. And water will do.

There’s no need for any expensive energy drinks or anything like that but just be aware that you will overheat quickly and your body’s reaction will be to cool you down with “sweat”.

So, if you take your Santa suit off and your under clothes are sticking to your body despite you only having ran for 10 minutes or so, you’ll know why!

…But more importantly, you’ll recognise it as a sign to drink some water BEFORE you drink a cup of tea or a coffee (which will make you even more hydrated).

Ok, that’s it! Three simple tips to make the Santa fun run this weekend even more enjoyable. Have fun!

More tips for runners, here: www.paulgoughphysio.com/sports-injury-clinic

End.

Article printed in the Hartlepool Mail, Wed 3rd December 2014

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Paul Gough

Paul Gough is an internationally known Physio and Founder of The North East’s Leading Specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, who want to keep healthy and active.

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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