Hello everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Kate Wilson who writes for DIY Health.
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Running is an exhilarating sport and has been found, among its other benefits, to slow down ageing. Other confirmed benefits of running include weight loss, improved cardiac health, improved cholesterol profile, stronger and denser bones, and a better immune response to diseases. In addition, it leads to a better self-esteem and a healthier emotional health.
If you enjoy running as a hobby, you will eventually want to take it to the next level and train for longer and more intense runs and races. One of the risks attached to the long distance or speed running and training for it is that of injuries. Studies have found that continuing to run when your body is not at its optimum health can lead to serious health hazards. Additionally, it has been found that running when one should not run can lead to permanent change to running form, which can lead to greater risk for injuries. Here are some indications that your body may give to tell you that it is time to stop running.
1) Feeling Uncomfortable In The Upper Part Of Your Body
When your body is exerted beyond its capacity, the organ that is challenged the most is the heart. If it is not in optimum health, it can succumb to the demands placed on it when running beyond one’s ability. You might not realize what is happening as the rest of your body is pumping chemicals and calories to keep pace with your needs, but your heart might be under severe strain. Heart attack symptoms can be very difficult to make out in the heat of the moment. If you are experiencing chest pressure, tightness of the neck of jaw, and if your pain is radiating towards the arms, it is better that you stop running and get yourself checked thoroughly by a doctor.
2) Feeling Faint, Lightheaded Or Nauseous
There may be many reasons for feeling faint or lightheaded. Running drains your body of electrolytes and heats up to extreme metabolic levels, cleaning out your spare sugar reserves. If you feel faint or lightheaded, stop immediately and replenish your electrolyte and sugar levels by slowly sipping a sweetened electrolyte drink and rest in the shade. If your symptoms do not resolve in a short while, get to a doctor immediately.
3) Feeling Breathless
While you are running, you should be able to breathe normally, without having to exert yourself or using your shoulder muscles to breathe. A healthy cardiac and respiratory profile should have your breath and your heart rate coming back to normal levels within 7 to 12 minutes of stopping running. If you are feeling breathless, discontinue running immediately. If you are still feeling difficulty in breathing normally after resting for a few minutes, seek medical attention.
4) Feeling Joint Pain Or Discomfort
Proper form during running is essential. Keep your body upright, and with a slight forward lean so that your center of gravity is on the front of your feet instead of on your heels. As you start training, be prepared for your muscles to ache as they stretch, grow, and repair themselves. What you must be on the lookout for is pain or discomfort in the joints either during running or after. Even clicking, popping and locking of joints are signs to be concerned about. This is a sure indicator for you to stop running. Running on injured joints can cause permanent damage to your joints and the muscles that help the joints to function. If you have joint pain or discomfort, stop running, and see a doctor.
Running for recreation is one of the most rewarding hobbies one can have. The risk lies in the fact that the pleasure of running often distorts what is known as perceived exertion level. This causes the brain to misjudge the true level of exertion caused by an activity. Become familiar with the signs mentioned above that are indicators from your body to stop running. Be aware of the fact that your judgment regarding your exertion level may not be accurate. Use your wisdom and the information given here to preserve and protect your body from damage because of running when you should actually stop.
About the Author:
Kate is a blogger and writer. She loves writing on health and parenting. Beside this, she loves cooking. These days she is researching on breast cancer as that is subject of her new article.