Warm Ups...

   So, while out on my short speed workout tonight something became crystal clear in the crisp, cold winter air, I need to stop skipping my warm up before this workout. Like most people, I'm short on time like almost everyday. It's amazing that I find the time to train at all. But, my nagging right hamstring strain that began to scream at me around a mile and a half into the workout let me know that it's time to stop shortchanging myself. 

   I've always been a firm believer in doing some sort of a warm up before my training sessions. Somehow though, when it's my turn to make dinner, adjust the the outdoor christmas lights and go on a seek and destroy mission on the front lawn for that nasty smelling dog stuff before dark and the next snowfall, that concept seems like a waste of time. 

   Well, it isn't. After turning 40 this year I've noticed that when the weather's colder out that I need to warm up before anything or my legs feel stiff and sluggish. It only makes sense that your muscles, tendons and ligaments will be more flexible and take more of a pounding after they're warmed. It doesn't have to be anything super long in time. For me, a single slow mile seems to fit the bill. But, everyone's different. You may need a longer or short time depending on various criteria like age, physical ability and age. 

   My friend Chris Russell spoke more about this on his latest episode of his amazing podcast, Run, Run, Live. Us old guys stick together and he offered more evidence how important warming up is before running. He even goes on to point out that warming up can benefit you in race distances from 5K to marathon in length. He threw in a bit about using Bengay type products to help aid you in warming up your muscles too. I've never been a big fan of the awful smelling stuff. But, I may get a canister of Tiger Balm and try it out. 

   Anyways, I came back from the run injury free thank goodness. Hopefully I'll be a little more diligent in my future cold weather runs. After all, I still have until New Year's day to get this thing done. No injures until 2014! Thanks to Kevin Gwin for renewing my love of my Fitbit! After you reach most of the first year milestones and get the according trophies, there's not a lot motivating going on. But, I've found a worthy adversary in Kevin. I've never known someone who does as much as me. Well, I do now. But, watch out dude! I'm licking your heels!   

   Run for your lives my friends...