Health Tip: Ready to Run?

Going out for a run, as with any form of exercise, requires some physical and mental preparation.

The American Council on Exercise offers this advice on what to do before you start running:

• Allow time for a pre-run warmup and a post-run cool down.
• Don't go beyond what's comfortable for you. As soon as you finish running, talking out loud for 30 seconds should be a challenge, but not very difficult.
• Pay attention to your body's warning signs and cut back on intensity, duration or frequency when you feel sore.
• Alternate running days with strength-training days for a balanced workout regimen.
• Never increase your running mileage by more than 10 percent per week.