Guide to Running in the Big City

Inside every human is a natural runner.

If we’re talking about what a species does best, none do long-distance land travel better

than homo sapiens.

Our biomechanics evolved over millions of years to basically outrun everything else…

in the long run.

Coupled with our superior intelligence, it’s no surprise we quickly spread across the

world and conquered the food chain.

Yet modern-day humanity is, in many ways, a victim of its own success.

We run the world but aren’t running on foot as much anymore in the process.

Folks living and working in the big city are particularly vulnerable to the effects of

being removed from the lifestyle our bodies were designed to fulfill.

Instead of moving around on two legs we tend to sit still.

While any form of exercise which raises the heart rate is good, going for a run is the path

to fitness our bodies were meant for, so why not start there?

Going from sitting around all the time to the ability to run a 5K every other day is difficult in

any setting, but the concrete jungle of an urban backdrop provides a unique array of challenges.

Here is a guide to help city dwellers get started.

The right gear

Good-fitting running shoes are an absolute necessity.

However, they are not the only thing a starting runner should make sure to have

when going out for his or her first try in the big city.

The use of compression products helps to avoid aches and pains associated with

uneven urban turf.

More times than not, if someone stops running regularly after weeks or months of

success it’s because of chronic muscle and joint problems related to improper attire.

Additionally, always check the weather and dress accordingly, which calls for a little

mental agility; anticipate the rapid increase in core body temperature before throwing

on a thick hoodie during winter time.

Conversely, opt for modest albeit breathable clothing in the warmer months.

The right attitude

There are lots of potential excuses for not sticking to exercise, whether it’s bad weather

or a stomach ache.

Maybe it’s the stress from work or a problem arising at home.

Life in fast-paced communities with many moving parts required for maintaining a

standard of living will undoubtedly be the source of many reasons to sleep another hour

rather than run a few miles.

Knowing this when you make that commitment to start running regularly is key to over-

coming these inevitable temptations.

Furthermore, it’s critical to keep trying even if said temptations to skip for a day or even

a week occur.

It’s better than nothing and will maintain a base endurance level.

The right precautions

City living presents a host of dangers, which aren’t as likely in the suburbs.

The one at the top of everyone’s personal list tends to be violent crime.

To this end, runners ought to have a good grasp on personal safety in the neighbor-

hoods they’re entering when out for exercise.

While it’s sensible to avoid areas with high crime rates, don’t hesitate to go exploring

otherwise unvisited parts of your city, as this provides stimulation, which in turn

becomes motivation.

Switching your route up regularly is the best way to stay safe.

In fact, the biggest, most realistic threat facing urban runners are moving vehicles.

It’s important to wear reflective material whether it’s an armband or the pattern of

your footwear.

Avoiding high traffic zones is another good idea, followed by making sure to never

have the volume turned up too loud if you’re listening to music.

Humans are built to run.

Modern living piles a lot of responsibilities and habits on top of us, which make it

easy to forget how natural it is for men and women to be active on our feet.

Folks in major cities have a lot of particular challenges to face when wanting to return

to their biological roots and start running regularly.

However, with careful planning and consideration, these hurdles can be easily crossed

in the pursuit of our true calling as a species.

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