Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday – Run A 10K!

Healthy Hollywood recently got motivated to train and run a 10K. I have always wanted to hit the pavement and run, but never seem to be able to just do it!

There’s lots of running folks in New York City and I admire their commitment and would love to share in the experience of a runner’s high. Sounds healthier than a glass of wine!

Women’s Health magazine recently invited me to participate in their upcoming Run 10 Feed 10 charity race. The magazine has teamed up with the FEED foundation to motivate folks to sign up for a 10K run in their area and their participation (and donations) will help feed 10 hunger people. It’s a good cause and it’s reason enough to motivate me to lace up my running shoes.

Healthy Hollywood recruited Jen Ator, fitness editor at Women’s Health Magazine, to share pointers on how to condition for a 10K.

“There’s no single way to prepare for this 6.2 mile race, but one of the best things you can do is find a training program, like the incredibly easy-to-follow plan we created for Run 10 Feed 10 (www.run10feed10.com/home/#!/etrac). If have you never run before or can’t run more than a mile, you’ll want a beginner program that works on slowly building your aerobic endurance. These plans usually combine running and walking, mix in cross training (to help prevent injury), and the most you will typically run at one time is four or five miles.”

Also, Jen adds, “A few good rules of thumb for runners of all levels: It’s better to be slightly under-trained than over-trained. Your training program is only as effective as your recovery from it, and if you’re not careful, you can quickly increase your risk of injury. Nothing new on race day. Don’t break out a new pair of sneakers and stick to an outfit similar to what you’ve trained in.”

Be sure to keep friends and family in the loop on your running progress. It helps to have people encouraging you.

“Friends and family can be a great support, and they can also help keep you accountable. You’re far less likely to quit if you have told everyone on Facebook or Twitter that you’re running. Raise the stakes even higher and run for a cause,” adds Jen.

Plus, your body and mind will thank you for getting outdoors and exercising. It’s also one of the cheapest and easiest ways to burn calories – no gym cost or fancy equipment need.

The flagship Run 10 Feed 10 race is being held in New York City on September 23, but there are also 10 additional city challenge runs nationwide. Or, you can start your own charity run in your neighborhood. For more information, check out www.run10feed10.com.

— Terri MacLeod

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