One of the best forms of exercise for body and mind, running is easy with some good tunes and a few easy pointers. Anything that helps to pump me up for a run is a good thing, since running is associated with so many health benefits. The advantages of running are mental as much as physical. Runners enjoy better cardiovascular health, improved muscle tone, more energy, and even a greater resistance to stress and illness than their sedentary friends. Even better, recent research suggests that regular exercise can help you stay young at the cellular level. Thirty minutes on the trail ensures a better mood all day, and running is definitely cheaper than therapy-it’s free. Running is private time, time to clear your head while you tone your body. There is no better way to get exercise and an improved outlook on life than running, and music is a great way for me to boost my energy and mood during a run.
Despite the advantages associated with jogging and running, even seasoned runners can sometimes find it hard to get out the door. Having your favorite tunes blasting (ok, playing at a reasonable volume) through sports headphones can make you forget about your lack of energy, and even encourage you to go the literal extra mile. Hands down, the best earbuds or iPod headphones for running are the new ZIPPEARZ sports ear buds. These comfy ear buds won’t fall out – which means that no matter how sweaty you get or how much you move, your music remains uninterrupted. This is important – on the trail or pavement, the last thing you want is to be struggling with ear buds that keep slipping out. These jogging headphones are not the only way to enjoy music during a run, but I have found that they are by far the sturdiest, most comfortable earbuds for running that deliver amazing sound. I cannot stand the feeling of damp, slippery headphones (ew!), and so far, these ZIPPEARZ sports ear buds have been the only sports headphones that actually stay in place while I jog. My playlist makes me forget about my aching shins and burning lungs. As my feet pound the pavement to the tempo of my favorite songs, the miles seem to pass faster. Best of all, that little voice in my head urging me to just stop and rest for a minute is drowned out by my favorite songs. Music is definitely my best motivator to run.
Although music can make you forget about the inevitable aches during running, there are several things you can to minimize or eliminate pain in the first place. Stretch beforehand if you like (I find that it seems to prevent leg twinges and stomach cramps), but be aware that most experts say it doesn’t make any difference. Stretching after a run, when your muscles are warm, is the key to preventing injuries. Besides having a pair of the best headphones for running, you will need the most comfortable running shoes you can find. Try on different pairs, and keep in mind that if your feet pronate (turn inward; common in people with low arches or flat feet) or supinate (roll outward; happens in people with high arches-I found this out the hard way) while you run, you will need shoes designed to alleviate your particular kind of stress. The right shoes can make all the difference in the world; conversely, shoes that do not properly support your feet can lead to foot, ankle, shin, and knee pain and injuries-not fun. A good pair of running shoes is probably the biggest expense you will incur, but the pain and expense of joint problems is just not worth the temptation to save money on shoes. Nothing saps the energy and drive of a beginning runner faster than being sidelined with a foot or leg injury; meanwhile, for an experienced runner, not being able to run can feel like torture. You will want comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Keep in mind that your body temperature will increase soon after you get going; dress in layers that you can easily remove. Ladies, a supportive-not restrictive-sports bra is probably more important (although less fun) than good sports earbuds. Lastly, socks designed for running will make a big difference. Regular socks may feel comfortable at first, but they will eventually rub against your feet as you sweat, causing chafing and blisters. Don’t let all this information scare you from beginning-just remember that as with any sport or exercise regimen, it’s important to have the right gear.
Although running can technically be done with no special equipment, picking up a few relatively inexpensive pieces can make your experience much more enjoyable, therefore increasing the chances that you will stay with it. After I got the best ear buds and running shoes I could find, I was able to increase my mileage without any pain-definitely worth the cost! I found that once I began running, it became harder to skip days: my body’s way of forcing me to keep up a healthy regimen. You will start to feel positive effects like increased energy immediately; other effects, like cardiovascular health, are more long-term. Find the tips and tricks that work for you, and the results will pay off now and in the future.