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Exercise is incredibly important. Everyone needs to exercise daily. Even if it is just for a few minutes each day, exercise can improve how your mind and body functions. Besides keeping your weight down it can also give you increased energy and stamina. One of the most popular forms of daily exercise is running. When you run many things begin happening in your body. One of the greatest perks is the release of endorphins, also known as a “runner’s high.” Those endorphins kick in and you feel better than ever. If you have never taken up this popular hobby and exercise, this article can help guide you in choosing the right shoes and safety equipment.

When did running as a hobby and exercise become so popular?

If you want to find out when running became popular you would have to go back thousands of years ago to the ancient Olympic Games. Humans have long used running as a way to get where they needed to go. From there it is easy to see where it became a hobby and sport. No one knows when it became popular because it has always been used. Some would say that it really gained in popularity in the 1970’s but that is shaving centuries off of the hobby. People have known for a long time that when they run they get someplace faster. The more you run the faster and better you become at it.
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How can I get my body ready to run?

The first thing you need to do if you want to run is to stretch. Stretching gets your muscles warmed up and it helps prevent injuries. If you were to start off in a run without getting your muscles warmed up, they could cramp up after a bit which could lead to pain and injury. For someone that is interested in starting to run for exercise it is advised to first start off walking. Once you can walk for a reasonable distance without becoming overly exerted you can start jogging. From there it is just a matter of picking up speed until you are at a run.
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What kinds of injuries are most commonly associated with running?

Injuries when you run are fairly common and most occur due to stress on the joints and muscles. The force of the body coming down on the knee does lead to injury if you are not careful. You can also pull your hamstring when you run so it is very important that you stretch and warm up your muscles as much as possible before you take off. Other injuries that are often associated with this exercise are: shin splints, plantar fasciitis, twisted ankles and even iliotibial band syndrome. If you do not take care to treat these injuries as they occur, the injuries can worsen over time.

How should I prepare for my first marathon?

There is only one way to train for a marathon and that is to run, run and run some more. The key to a marathon is not being the fastest person at the start. It is to have stamina and the ability to maintain a steady pace. Many people who run marathons also use weight training and other cardiovascular exercises to help improve their health. Some marathons are prestigious and people do want to finish first. Others are marathons for causes such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In that marathon it is more about finishing than it is about winning.

I am pregnant. Is it still safe to run while I’m expecting?

Running while you are pregnant is still highly debated. There are risks involved for anyone that runs. Some doctors advise that women abstain from running while pregnant because of the jolting motion it can cause. Others believe that it is safe as long as the woman is not in a high risk pregnancy. If you have never run as exercise prior to becoming pregnant it is probably not a good idea to start when you do become pregnant. If, however, you are a long time runner then it may be perfectly fine to continue your exercise routine provided you have cleared it with your physician first.

Is there a way I can still run but have my baby or toddler with me?

If you love to run and want to bring your baby or toddler with you there are some great strollers on the market. These strollers are specially designed for runners. Many feature oversized wheels that allow for a smoother glide. They also are not as heavy as traditional strollers. Some feature one wheel in the front and two in the back. You can expect to pay more for a running stroller but the advantages of taking your child with you when you exercise.

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