Running Your Way To A Healthy Body

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

01 Aug 2007 06:55 PM

Running has always been my exercise of choice. Okay, that's not entirely true. My parents sent me to tennis lessons (I bombed). Then, I got into gymnastics, but recurrent ear infections messed with my equilibrium and I struggled to stay on the balance beam. I stunk at diving, didn't have a pool to continue swimming, and never quite got into soccer. For me, running has always been the most convenient and affordable sport out there. You don't need expensive equipment, and you can do it anywhere.

I have completed a handful of marathons and see myself continuing to better my times in the years to come (fingers crossed). If you are a runner you know the health benefits that come with daily workouts. Improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, increased energy... the list goes on and on. However, sometimes running can do you more harm then good, especially if you are making dangerous mistakes.

Enter the running coach. Hiring a coach is considered to be one of the fastest growing fitness trends in the United States. Running coaches aim to correct mistakes that may lead to painful injuries. In most cases they are available through local running clubs or through running classes offered at gyms.

Years ago I participated in college running study that provided me access to a running coach. My coach helped me with my form and also helped me create a running program that kept me motivated and focused. Generally, a running coach will help you learn the fundamentals of the sport or for those of you who are already serious runners they can help improve techniques. A good coach will also give you nutritional information and design a training plan specifically for your lifestyle.

So how does it work? The first time I met with my running coach he followed me as I jogged along a path. Within minutes of observing me he was able to determine the things we needed to address and fine tune.

I know. I know. Who knew there was actually a WRONG way to run? One of the most common running mistakes is called a "heel strike." Basically, when you run you don't want you to hit your heel and roll through your stride. Rather, you want to land on the mid-foot and recover your heel. By doing so you decrease the impact on your body and run more efficiently. Another problem I had was my head and shoulder position. I learned it's not good to lean forward too much or arch your back too much because by doing so you restrict the amount of air that gets to your lungs.

You may not do any of these things, but you won't know unless a running coach evaluates you. A good coach won't reinvent the way you run, but he will offer helpful hints and key points to help you become the best runner you can be.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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