Rejuvenate for Summer: Part II: Run Around

Last post's subject gave tips on venturing into the backyard and preparing your body for outdoor spring cleaning. If you're looking to getting past the garden and taking advantage of the paths around the neighborhood, running is the perfect way. The Twin Cities has been named as one of the best cities to run around in, thanks to the beautiful lakes and Mississippi river. Whether you're an avid runner or enjoy a brisk walk around the block, we've got a few pointers for you before you go...

There are a lot of ways to prepare yourself to avoid injury, key word is *stretching*.... A LOT

Great foods to help you fuel your runs (yum!):

Eggs - contains all the crucial amino acids your hard-working muscles need to promote recovery

Sweet Potatoes - have manganese and copper, minerals that help make healthy, functioning muscles 

Whole Grain Bread/Pasta - eat this over white bread/pasta to promote weight-loss and still get the carb-fuel in

Bananas - the potassium helps regulate blood pressure while the carbs give natural energy

 Low-Fat Yogurt - Calcium is crucial to building bone-mass!

Check out the link Running A Thousand Miles for more food advice

Minnesota's heat and humidity can quickly leave you parched. Don't forget to hydrate no matter how hard or easy the run is!

For motivation, get ready for one of these upcoming races:

5K Beer Run! every weekend until the end of June in Minneapolis

Heartbeat 5000 June 22nd in Minneapolis  

Midnight Sun Midnight Run June 28th along Lake Superior

Warrior Dash June 29th in Hastings 

Independence Day Races July 6th in Minneapolis

And many more options when you go to RunningintheUSA.com

Check out the Twin Cities Running Club for routes near you and The Running Room has a lot of great advice on training programs, races and getting the right gear.

Did you know that going barefoot is much more beneficial than jogging with traditional running shoes? Posture, balance improvement and less injury are very big factors to consider  for avid runners. For everyone out there who is anticipating the warmer weather as a sign to get out the running shoes and go for a good old fashioned jog, or just want an excuse to go barefoot, here's an infographic to show the growing trend of barefoot running @ Runningshoes.com
  

Do you have any running tips or marathons you'd like to promote? Shoot us an email: inquiries@greatbackrubs.com or a friendly Facebook message!