Get Your Feet Ready For Running Season

It’s getting warmer outside and that means that running season is just around the corner. It’s time to get your feet ready to pound the pavement. It’s easy to disregard your feet, but remember that they carry you through the race. Here are some simple steps for protecting your feet this running season.

1. Make sure your shoes are up to par. How old are your shoes? As the cushion breaks down in your running shoes, the shoe no longer absorbs the shock. This means that your body takes over the shock absorption, which can lead to injury. Most shoes have a life of about 300-500 miles.

2. Invest in good socks. Socks are also important for protecting your feet. Choosing the right pair of socks is also important. The best running socks are made of polyester, acrylic, and CoolMax. Unlike traditional cotton, these socks will keep your feet cool and dry. You may want to wear two pairs of socks for blister protection.

3. Keep your feet properly groomed. Make sure your toenails are trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails. Longer toenails can also scratch your other toes. Additionally, soak your feet in Epsom salts to soothe foot pain. This is especially helpful after a long run. 4. Give yourself a foot massage. You can also relieve foot heel pain with a post run foot massage. As part of your massage treatment, consider applying a pain relieving heel treatment to soothe sore feet and back heel pain. Heel creams that include natural ingredients like ginger to relieve inflammation and menthol to naturally ease foot pain are helpful. We’re partial to Zax’s Original Heelspur Cream. 

Tips for Running the Perfect Race

When you're getting ready for the big race, here are some tips to keep in mind. -Allow plenty of time to get to the race and pack everything that you need the night before. -Warm up properly. You may want to warm up with a quick jog on a nearby sidewalk. Stay away from fields that could soak your shoes with morning dew. -Be relaxed at the starting line. -Be patient and look for room to pass. -Keep running through the finish line.

Sara Novak is a Natural Health Care Expert for Zax Health. Follow her on Twitter at @sarafnovak.