With 2025 drawing near, it may also mean New Year’s resolutions being set, including the usual expected ones zeroed in on diet and exercise.
With only a pair of comfortable shoes needed to do so, walking or running is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy and active.
For those looking to include walking or running more in their New Year’s resolutions, a handful of Jones County individuals have insight on the best way to take on a goal of running or walking more.
Jones County High School cross country head coach Geoff Moore, whose work includes that with JCHS cross country runners year-round in addition to his position at Turner Woods Elementary School.
He points to the importance of taking steps now toward a running or walking goal, regardless of the level that someone’s fitness level may be at.
“I tell my kids that if they want to improve, they need to do it now.
Sometimes, waiting until later becomes never,” Moore said. “It’s not one giant step that does; it takes a lot of whole bunch of little steps.”
But there’s more to setting a fitness goal than deciding to get to work. Pace is also key, as physical therapist Kimberlyn Wilson, co-owner of Hometown Ortho and Sports Rehab, notes.
“Don’t put the pedal to the metal the first day you go out to walk or run. Make sure that you progress slowly to the time and distance that you want to achieve,” Wilson said. “This will prevent potential stress or overuse injuries from occurring.”
If a fitness goal will need more mobility than you may have had in the past, building up shape to take on a greater challenge is also important.
“Be sure to improve your mobility and strength while you are getting into cardio,” Wilson said. “Make sure to stretch your calves and hamstrings, and strengthen your core muscles like your hips and quads. This will decrease the stress on joints and the load on tendons while you walk or run.”
