Running and jogging are some of the best forms of exercise! If you are looking to incorporate running into your regular exercise routine, there are some things to be aware of. By being aware and preparing yourself, you will be setting yourself up for success. From your pace and breathing and apparel, to incorporating physical therapy in Casper, WY and all our other office locations, there are some top things to add to your to-do list as you prepare to become a runner.  

Pace and Breathing

The key to longevity when it comes to being a runner is to have the proper pace and breathing skillset. It may be harder to learn for some, but once you practice often and have it down, it will help you with your success when it comes to running. The first step to proper breathing is posture. Make sure you start off with everything aligned. This not only helps in general, but with the breathing in and out. Next, be aware of your breathing. You will notice it is easier to maintain when walking, but when you begin to go faster, it can become more difficult. Also, use your mouth to breathe when running and take deep breaths. You can’t take as deep of breaths through your nose. As you start to run, come up with a system that works for you. You can also download apps to help you with breathing such as the Couch to 5K program.  

Apparel

When trying to be a successful runner, not only do you need to know the basics, but you also need to have the right apparel. This is your shirts, shorts or pants, socks and underclothing. You want to find clothing that fits you well and doesn’t keep you focusing on your clothing as you want to spend time focusing on yourself. Shoes are one of the most important places to start. When investing in your new hobby, you do not want to take a route that is cheaper. A quality pair of shoes can pay off in the long run. You can visit a local shoe store and have your sizing and measurements done. From there they can pair you with an expert who will show you the types of shoes that might be best suited to your needs. When running in cooler climates, it is best to be prepared. However, do be aware that the longer you are running and your body warms up, you may want to quickly lose a layer. You can work to find items that can be taken with your or easily added.

When to See a Physical Therapist

If you become injured during a run, a premier physical therapist is one of your go-to options. Now, if you experienced a pulled muscle, you might be fine after a few days. However, for more serious injuries, a physical therapist can help. They will teach you proper stretching techniques and exercises to help get your muscles back in shape and ready for use.
 
As you work to become a better runner, North Platte Physical Therapy can help. As a top physical therapist in Wyoming, we will help you along your journey. Make sure you know what will happen on your first day of therapy. From there, they will guide you through the rest. Contact us today to get started!