Running tips and tricks from the pros

MANILA, Philippines - Running for most starts with the desire to lose those extra pounds. Once they get into that famed runner’s high, they find a way to incorporate the routine into their daily lives. The progression usually results in entering that 5k or even 10k run. But before all that, one must know basic tips and tricks that will make your running firsts safe and enjoyable.

When one decides to weigh in on the running craze, Jaymie Pizarro of the bullrunner.com and The Bull Runner magazine advises, “Do not be in a rush to go fast too soon. The key is to increase your mileage gradually to avoid injury.”

“Start slow. And begin with the right equipment, meaning proper shoes,” agrees Neville Manaois of SecondWind Running Store and Pinoy Ultra Runners.

Hard-core athletes say “no pain, no gain,” but these seasoned runners agree that proper equipment and form mean that there should be no pain when you run. You go easy at it until you get better, and the only pains one can expect are from tired muscles at the end of a good and sweaty round.

Since running practically requires no equipment save for shoes, one would think it would be easy to stick to it. But like any healthy habit, it does take a bit of commitment and practice.

Jaymie shares, “For most serious runners, it becomes a part of our lives, almost like brushing our teeth every day. We make it a point to run and block our schedule for it, like a meeting or a date.”

“Make sure you enjoy it, and make sure you have a consistent routine, one you can stick to,” adds Neville, who has been running since 1997 and has held several workshops and lectures on the sport.

When you’ve got that perfect pair of shoes and have tried out a few laps, all you now have to do is to sustain that dedication. After eventually tucking in an impressive mileage under your belt, you just might be ready for your first marathon. Whatever your running goals are, Jaymie says, “The great thing about running is that you make it what it is. A beginner can aim for completing his first 5k, while a competitive runner may have loftier goals, such as beating his own time in a marathon or winning first place.  Both of these runners are successful because they worked for their goals and achieved them.”

Smart Subic International Marathon (SIM) 2009, recently held in Subic, is just one of the venues where runners from all over the world vied for prizes worth more than P1.6 million. The marathon featured a 42.19-km race, a half-marathon or 21-km race, and 10-km, 5-km, and 3-km fun races. According to Smart executive Patrick Gregorio, head of sports and special projects, Smart’s support of long-distance running is perfectly aligned with the telecom’s advocacy of helping advance the value of sports, and the discovery and development of Filipino athletes.