How to Get Fit by Running in Your Neighborhood

Getting into shape can all be taken care of in your own neighborhood. The following article will show how to start running and get to know the place where you live, a bit better.

Things You'll Need

  • A good pair of running shoes
  • A fearless heart and a can-do attitude, no matter what
  • A realization that you are bored or fed up with the status quo. You would be surprised how many people that I have run into that cannot get motivated to do anything about their problems
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Get Fit by Running in Your Neighborhood

    • 1

      Realize straight away that you need to change your status quo, in this case that you need to take up some running or cardiovascular activity

    • 2

      Check your running shoes. Make certain that the tread is good. If it is not get a new pair. You can always alternate them, switch them so that you do not run with the same pair everyday, if possible. Your body will take some pounding and good shoes soften the blows. Check your running clothes: running shorts, t-shirt, good socks with a cushion. Drink some water before your run. Stop at a neighbor's and ask for a drink from his waterhose if you feel hot or thirsty.

    • 3

      Barring somebody or a group of guys chasing you, just take off down the sidewalk or alleyways, probably best while it is daylight, depending on the neighborhood and just jog for awhile. Increase your speed as you imagine someone chasing you. Just know that after your run all your troubles seem to disappear. Guage your distance by how you feel and if you get out of breath, good measuring tools to have.

    • 4

      Stretch before and after. It is just good physiolgoy and prevents injury big time. You may not become a marathon runner or a frightened teenager fleeing from your would-be attackers, but you will get fit. A great adage for me was always: if you can't remember the last time you were out of breath, the next time may be your last.