Football and Running

What do football and long distance running have to do with each other?

Fitness and goals.

My son started youth tackle football last year.  After the season ended we needed a way for him to stay somewhat in shape for this year's season.  So ever since last November we've been doing Fit Kids with him and our daughters.  Then ever since school got out last May we've taken them to the track to run and walk a mile.

All our hard work paid off.

Yesterday he started football practice.  He was a little sore today but nothing like he was last year or would've been this year had we not been focused on maintaining his fitness.  His goal is to make the A team of his age group this year.  And, as all runners know, the desire is 90% of the solution.

Protection Against Injuries

Avoiding injuries is the goal of every runner.  But most of us runners are a little on the stubborn side.  Of course a runner has to be somewhat stubborn or they'd never endure all the miles it takes to accomplish their goal.  Once that goal race has been run though we need to take it easy or we'll risk injury.

When we've given our all for a race we must let our bodies recuperate.  A good rule of thumb is to run very easy, slow runs for as many days as miles in your recent race.  For example,  if you've just run a 10k, run nice and easy for 6 days.  Your mind may tell you that this is too easy, you can run faster.  But you're legs and feet and back are telling you "thanks" for giving us a chance to recover.