And finally, if you’re just starting to run, you’re probably going to get sore. A few common ailments include shin splints or plantar fasciitis, which you can usually avoid by starting slow, warming up and cooling down, stretching, and upping your mileage gradually.
If you do get unlucky enough to have chronic pain, you could also try a telehealth physical therapy appointment or inserts for your shoes. But after years of physical therapy, my favorite device is a small, cheap, hard, rubbery lacrosse ball. Just spend a few minutes each day rolling out the muscles in your calves, thighs, and feet. It’s like using a foam roller, but smaller, easier to transport, and better for targeting small muscles.