Jogging
If the Shoe Fits, Run With It
By Suzanne PfefferleIf you are feeling inspired to go the extra mile, having the right running equipment is the first step, and it better be a comfortable one. Finding the right running shoe is important for anyone considering a daily running regimen. Not only can it prevent injuries but it can even improve your stride.
With a growing display of options to choose from, shoe shopping can be an overwhelming experience. Although trendy styles and colors count for something, it’s a smart idea to go for a shoe that fits your foot, running style, and routine. I will never forget my first pair of “running shoes.” I wore my sky-blue Sauconys religiously and even incorporated them into my workout, although they were not remotely made for exercise. After I wore down the soles, I finally gave in and made a trip to the shoe store to learn that I was doing permanent damage to my knees. Now when I’m picking out a running shoe, I know what to ask and look for so that I do not make the same mistake.
The best time to go shoe hunting is at the end of the day or after a workout, which is when your feet swell the most. You will not run the risk of buying a pair that fits in the store but suddenly shrinks while you are striding through the park. Also, allow yourself time to ask the staff questions who are usually happy to help. Usually. It may be a good idea to show them your current shoe since the amount of wear on the bottom will help them determine your running style.
When you begin trying on shoes, keep in mind that your running shoe should be slightly bigger than your casual shoe. It should allow a thumb’s width of wiggle room in the front and security through the middle of your foot. Make sure it does not slip at the heel, and if it does, weave your shoe laces from the bottom since it pulls your foot back and stops your foot from sliding. What’s the most important advice I can offer? Ask about the return policy!
Best Places To Go For A Run
After months of indulging in slices of king cake, pounds of crawfish, and baskets of chocolate Easter candy, there is nothing like the summer ritual of bathing suit shopping to create sudden feelings of dismay and even shame (did I really need to eat that third Cadbury Crème Egg?). Fortunately, New Orleans offers the perfect places for getting back into shape, and you don’t even have to belong to a gym. They are conveniently located in your neighborhood, free, and fresh air friendly. So stretch, charge your iPods, and get going!
Across the street from Tulane and Loyola is one of the city’s most scenic parks. Audubon Park hides under huge oak trees, offering exercisers plenty of shade from the summer heat, and the round racetrack is about two miles long, allowing runners to determine how far they have run. There are also stations set for stretching and strength exercises. For anyone willing to really go the distance, runners can cross Magazine Street, head towards the fly, and enjoy the refreshing breeze from the river.
City Park is another great place for getting ready, set, and going. Runners can follow the track around Roosevelt Mall, near Tad Gormley Stadium, or they can wander down the path that winds throughout the park. It’s also hidden beneath the canopies of oak trees, so that the summer sun will not feel so intense. Joggers can also enjoy the beautiful sculptures outside of the New Orleans Museum of Art, or they can admire the blossoming flowers at the Botanical Gardens. Either way, they help to make the exercising a little bit easier.
Although most people do not think of the French Quarter as a place bursting with health benefits, its much stumbled upon streets can also be used for aerobic exercise. However, I would highly recommend opting for a morning run! After parking anywhere along Esplanade Avenue, you can begin your sprint down Decatur Street amid the excitement of stores setting up shop and cafes cooking breakfast. Then, cut across the French Market to reach the Mississippi River. A long path stretches to the CBD, allowing runners to cool off because of the river winds and the sporadic shade of trees. Just try not to be too tempted to stop off at Café du Monde on the way back!
If you live in the Lakeview area, the Lakefront is the perfect spot for getting back into shape. Along Lakeshore Drive lies a sunny running path that spans several miles of Lake Pontchartrain. Parking lots are available in several places along the route, and runners can choose between the tree-lined sidewalks or the levees for their workout. An excellent time to go is on the weekend when one lane of Lakeshore Drive is closed for traffic. Exercisers can literally run the streets!