Get Back Into Running After Time Off
There are many reasons people take time off from running for a
season. Maybe you haven’t run all winter because of consistent inclement
weather. Or perhaps busy life circumstances at home or work keep you
from getting out on the road or trails. No matter the reason, here’s how
to restart your running routine after a break with a comfortable pair
of wide toe box shoes.
Ease Yourself Back Into Running Slowly
As you pick up running again, it’s natural to want to start where you
left off. However, be careful of pushing yourself too hard too quickly.
Here are some tips to return to running at the right pace:
- Take it back to the basics with a walk-and-run strategy. For example, you could alternate between two minutes of running and then one minute of walking.
- Increase your mileage by no more than 10%. For example, if you run 10 miles one week, don’t exceed 11 miles the following week.
- Listen to your body and breath to determine how you feel during each run.
- If you progress beyond the walk-and-run method, try mixing a few lower-tempo runs with a shorter moderate-intensity run.
Before starting your new running routine, ensure your running shoes are in good shape. If they look worn, set yourself up for success with a new pair of athletic shoes with wide toe box that will give your toes plenty of room to splay. That way, every run can be comfortable and fun.
Include Strength Training to Help with Injury Prevention
Adding strength training to your routine can help improve your running
performance and reduce your risk of injury. After an adequate warmup and
stretching session, try strength training exercises that target your
quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Strengthening these important
muscle groups in the lower body can help ensure you’re ready for
everything it will take to achieve your goals.
Set Realistic Goals
When you lace up your new running shoes and prepare to hit the road,
set realistic goals for yourself as you return to running. There’s no
one-size-fits-all approach to setting your running goals. However,
setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
(SMART, for short) goals is a great way to establish a realistic target
that you’re working toward.
Remember that you may have to
reassess your goals from time to time. If you achieve your goal sooner
than expected, set a new goal. If you need to adjust your timeline for a
particularly challenging goal, revise that part of your goal and break
it down into smaller pieces to help it feel more manageable.
Remember the Importance of Rest
Finally, it’s easy to overdo it when you jump back into running after a
break. But remember the importance of rest. Your body gets stronger
from a run when you give it time to recover. This is why building rest
days into your running plan and creating a routine to optimize physical
and mental recovery is essential. With the right amount of time to
recover, you can return for your next run even stronger than before.
About Topo Athletic
Do
you want to live a more active lifestyle? Topo Athletic has performance
footwear to help you embrace the journey. Whether you love running on
natural trails or city streets, every Topo Athletic shoe lets you
experience The Topo Difference. Their innovative designs are made with a
roomy toe box, a secure midfoot and heel, and a low heel to toe drop.
These features let your toes splay naturally and encourage a midfoot
strike. That’s comfort and performance you can count on every time you
lace them up. No matter your running goals or how many miles you log
each week, Topo Athletic helps you stride for more. Try a pair of Topo
Athletic shoes and enjoy everything these running shoes with wide toe box have to offer.
Get back into running with high-quality running shoes at https://www.topoathletic.com/