Is Running All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Let’s face it. Putting one foot in front of the other can truly be challenging—both mentally and physically. By recognizing the realities, you can become become a smarter runner. So, let’s take a moment to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of running.

• The Good: Running is a great way to manage all aspects of your health- both physical and mental. It doesn’t require alot of equipment, people, or money to get started.
• The Bad: Like other sports, running is repetitive for certain parts of the body. You may find some imbalances in your body, but this actually serves as an opportunity to identify and work on strengthening specific areas.
• The Ugly: Pay attention to your body, be it your feet or your neck. Those small things can add up to a big injury if not managed. Many things can rub you the wrong way while running too, like your shirt or ponytail against your neck. In this case, that literal rubbing is called chaffing. Small changes can help. In this case, simply apply a protective gel like body glide to protect skin and prevent future rubbing at the site. You can also shop around for a shirt made of fabric that is conducive for running. In the end, the ugly may actually be pretty!