thedrifter
03-29-08, 05:32 AM
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Spring weather running tips, safety
By Lance Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Press Chief
As the weather starts to get warm, the Marines start strapping on the reflective gear for a little jog around the base, and the Marine Corps Marathon Office provides runners with some helpful advice.
The MCM office helps clear up what should be in runners’ preparation plans for the upcoming season.
‘‘Eating before you run is an individual preference. The nicer the weather, the more we are going to want to PT outdoors,” Brett Schmidt said. ‘‘So make sure to increase the carbohydrates for more energy.”
When running at any time make sure you are wearing the reflective belt or vest according to the base order.
‘‘Running in groups less than eight, you need to face traffic, and if running on the main streets, the formation needs to be in two rows or less,” Schmidt said. ‘‘Be careful when running in the morning. Don’t run on the white line because drivers might be eating their donuts and drinking their coffee.”
The base order states that no listening devices are authorized while running because runners not only need to be aware of the lights on the cars, but they also need to be able to hear when vehicles are coming.
‘‘Running on the trails, you want to make sure you have a partner in case of any mishap such as a twisted ankle. And bring a cell phone,” Schmidt said.
Marines should monitor their running at the beginning of the running season, because they might not be in the shape they think they are in, Schmidt said. Marine Corps Marathon Office staff suggest that everyone get checked out by medical before starting to run seriously in order to avoid injuries.
Don’t start training six weeks prior to an upcoming physical fitness test, because Marines will be right in the middle of a break-down phase come PFT time. Marines should start running no less then eight weeks out before the upcoming PFT, according the MCM staff.
If Marines want to cut time off their PFT, they can contact the MCM office for free help on getting the three-mile time they need to be successful.
Interval workouts on the track can help take time off Marines’ three-mile runs. Interval training is when a runner runs a lap faster than he usually runs it, then walks a lap, then repeats the process up to 10 times. A runner will start developing muscle memory and can string all the laps he has been running together during his PFT.
After completing interval workouts for a while, you can work up to completing 10 intervals in one workout, but intervals should be done no more than twice a week.
Schmidt said running shoes are also a big part of staying healthy and not hurting yourself while running. He said running shoes are typically good for about six months or 500 miles.
The Marine Corps Marathon office suggests runners go to a specialty running shoe store to ensure they get the correct pair of running shoes. Also, the MCM office welcomes anyone who would like to run with them in the morning or would just like some running tips. For more information, contact Brett Schmidt at (703) 432-1160.
Ellie
Spring weather running tips, safety
By Lance Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Press Chief
As the weather starts to get warm, the Marines start strapping on the reflective gear for a little jog around the base, and the Marine Corps Marathon Office provides runners with some helpful advice.
The MCM office helps clear up what should be in runners’ preparation plans for the upcoming season.
‘‘Eating before you run is an individual preference. The nicer the weather, the more we are going to want to PT outdoors,” Brett Schmidt said. ‘‘So make sure to increase the carbohydrates for more energy.”
When running at any time make sure you are wearing the reflective belt or vest according to the base order.
‘‘Running in groups less than eight, you need to face traffic, and if running on the main streets, the formation needs to be in two rows or less,” Schmidt said. ‘‘Be careful when running in the morning. Don’t run on the white line because drivers might be eating their donuts and drinking their coffee.”
The base order states that no listening devices are authorized while running because runners not only need to be aware of the lights on the cars, but they also need to be able to hear when vehicles are coming.
‘‘Running on the trails, you want to make sure you have a partner in case of any mishap such as a twisted ankle. And bring a cell phone,” Schmidt said.
Marines should monitor their running at the beginning of the running season, because they might not be in the shape they think they are in, Schmidt said. Marine Corps Marathon Office staff suggest that everyone get checked out by medical before starting to run seriously in order to avoid injuries.
Don’t start training six weeks prior to an upcoming physical fitness test, because Marines will be right in the middle of a break-down phase come PFT time. Marines should start running no less then eight weeks out before the upcoming PFT, according the MCM staff.
If Marines want to cut time off their PFT, they can contact the MCM office for free help on getting the three-mile time they need to be successful.
Interval workouts on the track can help take time off Marines’ three-mile runs. Interval training is when a runner runs a lap faster than he usually runs it, then walks a lap, then repeats the process up to 10 times. A runner will start developing muscle memory and can string all the laps he has been running together during his PFT.
After completing interval workouts for a while, you can work up to completing 10 intervals in one workout, but intervals should be done no more than twice a week.
Schmidt said running shoes are also a big part of staying healthy and not hurting yourself while running. He said running shoes are typically good for about six months or 500 miles.
The Marine Corps Marathon office suggests runners go to a specialty running shoe store to ensure they get the correct pair of running shoes. Also, the MCM office welcomes anyone who would like to run with them in the morning or would just like some running tips. For more information, contact Brett Schmidt at (703) 432-1160.
Ellie