Joined the gym

Today I joined the gym at work, and I intend to start running on Monday. My calves have been tight all afternoon in anticipation. Psychosomatic? I ordered the Nike + iPod sensor, but I still need to go buy shoes. The current blizzard has so far dampened my desire to go out and get them.

I've been reading online about common injuries for long distance runners. There are of course the obvious- blisters, pulled muscles, chafing, soreness, and dehydration- that I was surprised found their way onto sites for runners. I mean, come on, obviously your muscles have every right in the world to be sore after a punishing 20 mile run. There were also two injuries that appear serious, preventable, and common that I found listed on several websites- IT band injury, and runners knee. I've asked a physical therapist friend of mine to give me some stretches and exercises to hopefully prevent these two common problems from becoming one of my problems. I'll keep this posted as to the nature of said therapies.

Otherwise, I am still excited to be getting started. I need to buy some good running music.