Gearing up for running season? Let ASICS help you start off on the right foot

Get a head start and prepare mentally and physically for this year's popular Dubai Fitness Challenge

The fun kicks off at the end of October and aims to get people to complete 30 minutes of activity each day for 30 days. There’s a jam-packed schedule of free workouts including virtual ones, as well as fitness events across the city, which means there’s nothing that should stop you from moving. But if you fancy getting started this month there's no reason you can get out and begin pounding those pavements earlier than the rest.

You could take up any activity you like – cycling, yoga, dancing – but if you want to lace up your trainers and start running, Japanese sports brand ASICS’ elite running squad, the FrontRunners, have some tips for you.

Find a buddy

Running with someone or even joining a running club isn’t just fun, it also helps you keep up your activity. Plus, being around people who share the same passion or similar goals helps you improve your technique over time.

Be prepared

Lay out your gear in advance so you’re not rushed before your run. Also downloading apps that help you track your progress or take part in different runs is a great way to keep the motivation high each day. ASICS’ RunKeeper app is a helpful took for aspiring runners.

Invest in the right pair of shoes

More than 81% runners are prone to injury due to running with the wrong shoes, but you can prevent that with gait analysis and foot mapping that help determine which shoe is best for you. You can get the service when purchasing your ASICS footwear from Go Sport Dubai Mall or Go Sport Mall of the Emirates. In fact its latest range includes some fabulous running shoes like the Metaracer, which is designed with a special technology that makes the runner faster; Novoblast, which has a lightweight design that is ideal for long-distance running; while Gel Kayano 27 offers brilliant shock absorption and reduces injury risk, and Gel Nimbus 22 has a special gel technology that provides extra cushioning.

Set realistic goals

In every club, there will be runners who are faster than you and your goal might be to beat them, but be realistic. Try and keep your goals ‘SMART’ - in other words: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.

Stay hydrated

Lastly, it isn’t just important to drink water after your run but also before and during your run. A rule of thumb: drink four to six millilitres of water per kilogram of your body weight at least four hours before you start.