WACO, TX — Spring time can a fun time to get in shape in the great outdoors, but it can be dangerous too.
This goes for those who want to take to the trails, climb Cameron Park’s faced Jacob’s Ladder, or even try a running in a race.
Waco Striders Race Director Mitch Deskins knows first hand about trying to do too much too soon.
“It took me about 30 marathons to realize you have to slow down. You have to stay at your pay grade as far as your fitness level goes,” Deskin says.
Deskins adds you’ll also want to be aware of the hazards on trails.
“Trails are rocky, ruddy, they have a lot of stumps on them and if you’re going really hard and you’re not exactly looking where you’re going, and you can easily stump a toe, break a toe, fall down, break a wrist. It’s very dangerous,” said Deskins.
Waco long distance runner Ace Gallegos, who completed a 200 mile run in New Mexico a couple of months ago, stresses people should also be prepared for what mother nature can bring when outdoors.
“One of the experiences I can tell you about in a mountain race is getting caught in a blizzard," Gallegos said. "I had just put on sunscreen and taken all of my warm clothes off and left all of my warm [clothes] and literally an hour later I’m scraping off. I always pack this dollar poncho and it literally saved me because I went off course.”
For some injury prevention tips, University of Chicago Sports Medicine experts recommend starting with shorter distances and less intensity to start out, and then build up progressively. They also recommend establishing a good stretching routine before and after you run or walk.
They also stress listening to your body and that working out is not about fighting through pain.
