Spring = Outside running/walking

Finally, the outdoor race season is gearing up in the Midwest! There is hope that winter will release its grip on us and let us get outside and back making strides. (Okay, I do love a pun. I realize I might be alone with that one.)
The Shamrock Shuffle is coming up. The race, sponsored by Bank of America, is run on a course that is downtown Chicago on March 29th. As of this writing, there are still spaces available for the 8K run. You can find the information https://register.shamrockshuffle.com/index.html
Are you ready? If you have not been working out through the cold maybe you need to start a little slower. Maybe you need to start with a smaller race. I found a site that may be of interest to you. There is a site called RunGuides and it has a list of runs from March 14 through the end of the year. The list has lots of races and the distances vary from 5Ks to half-marathons. You can put your curser over the run that interests you and click and you will go to a link for more information.  http://www.runguides.com/chicago/runs#
Are you runner already? If so and you have participated in events in the past, then you know what you are doing. It won’t hurt for you to review and make sure you have done adequate preparation for the run. Take care of yourself by making sure you have prepared.
If you have decided to take up running, you need to start slowly so that you will progress and enjoy the sport. Depending upon your fitness level, following the Couch to 5K plan could be just the ticket. It is a step by step plan to get you on your way to running a 5K. It is also called C25K and can be found on several sites like this one.  http://www.c25k.com/There is an app for your phone and a Facebook page. You will find a lot of support out there to help you start on your way.
I just want you to make sure that your feet are ready for the punishment they will take. All runners should start at the sports shoe store to make sure that you get fitted with the right shoes for your feet. There is nothing that will dampen your enthusiasm more than having sore tired feet from running in the wrong shoes. I know that sometimes running shoes are expensive but it is worth it if your feet feel great running in them. Make sure you go to a store where they know running and shoe fitting. If you are not sure where you should go, look at the store web sites and see what they have to say about shoe fitting. If the tell you about all the experience their staff has in fitting shoes then that is the place to start. Make sure when you go in that you are wearing the socks that you will wear when you are running so that you can tell the shoes are comfortable.  The shoes should feel comfortable the minute you put them on – don’t think that you will have to break them in to be comfortable. But you will want to break them in before you run in a race.
Have a great time getting out in the fresh air and sunshine. You deserve it!
Your Pal,
The Foot Blogger Chick.
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