The Warm Up

True confession, I am not enough of a warm up/cross train/flexibility runner. At 53, I am pretty sure I have been more lucky rather than perfectly trained. Many of you posted your goals were to remain injury free, run indefinitely, etc. Over the next few Coach’s Corner, I am going to post about keeping safe, injury free and developing better habits.

Warming up your muscles not only increases temperature and blood flow, but they keep you less injury prone during your run. This is especially important in your key workouts that incorporate more intensity. The warm, oxygenated muscles are more flexible, less likely to cramp and it can ease the tension in your tendons.

Tip — consider incorporating some or all of these exercises pre-run (below). Too much? Pick your tightest zones to focus on and then ease into your workouts before attempting any moderate or faster pace.

Craig