Health / David Lloyd
Autumn running
After a short summer hiatus following the Bristol 10k, autumn is a real highlight for Bristol runners. Some great races take place this season, the culmination of months of sweat and determination.
This is a perfect time of year to start running. As we wave goodbye to the sticky summer nights and muggy mornings, they make way for crisp dawns and glowing sunsets. Bristol truly is a thing of beauty in the autumn – a time to enjoy the best of a city basking in a warm, orangey glow.
If you are thinking about starting, there are a few essentials to think about before you begin. These tips are in collaboration with north Bristol running club, Westbury Harriers.
Shoes: Correct, well-fitting, supportive shoes. Get this one right and you’ll be less likely to need time out for blisters/sore knees/bad hips. Yes, they’re often not cheap but probably the best investment a runner will make. We have some amazing specialist running shoe shops in Bristol which are well worth a visit. You will get great advice from Sweatshop at David Lloyd, Up and Running on North View, Easy Runner on St Michael’s Hill and Moti on Whiteladies Road.
is needed now More than ever
Pace yourself – in more ways than one: If you’re completely new to running, take it steady. Don’t expect more than a couple of minutes at first and aim to intersperse periods of running and walking, gradually increasing the running as you can. Aim for a steady pace, one at which you could hold a conversation. Muscles can adapt surprisingly quickly, but tendons and fascia take a long time to catch up. Rest days are as important as running days, giving your body a chance to recover.
Make it social: Running with a friend will make it more enjoyable and the commitment means you’re less likely to cry off. You could also join a local running club, or Run England Group. They cater for all abilities and help you structure and maintain your running.
Find your time of day: Some of us are morning people, some come alive in the evening and some are raring to go after lunch. Find your own rhythm and try to fit in your run when you’re feeling most energised.
Finally, enjoy it: The benefits of running are not just health and fitness, but the satisfaction of achieving your own goals, a sense of wellbeing and meeting a whole new social group. Kick up the leaves, run down the hills and see our city in a new light as you let your legs take the lead.
For information on running events across Bristol, visit www.bristol247.com
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