{"id":1805,"date":"2026-05-13T22:03:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/looking-to-take-up-running-some-best-practices-sacramento-trails-and-clubs\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T22:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:03:28","slug":"looking-to-take-up-running-some-best-practices-sacramento-trails-and-clubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/looking-to-take-up-running-some-best-practices-sacramento-trails-and-clubs\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking to take up running? Some best practices, Sacramento trails and clubs"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n

Looking to start running? Don\u2019t know where to start? The Sacramento Bee spoke with Brandon Hassid, an assistant professor and assistant team physician for UC Davis Athletics, about the benefits and best practices for beginning runners.<\/p>\n

Read more Beyond the headlines: What new homelessness data means for Sacramento | Opinion<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Additionally, The Bee found dozens of running clubs and a number of running trails where those new to the sport can find support and places to run.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why start running now?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

From a cardiovascular standpoint, the health benefits of running are fantastic, according to Hassid.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Particularly for people as they grow older, running can provide both short and long term benefits including muscle strength. By far though, the main benefit of running is building bone density in the lower extremities such as the legs. Stronger bones, especially as we age, means less risk of severe injury from minor falls.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThat kind of repetitive impacts on the ground,\u201d said Hassid. \u201cIt helps maintain your bone density and prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia as people get older.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Additionally, Hassid noted that exercise in general has shown to improve mood symptoms associated with depression and running in groups can provide social emotional benefits.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How to start running after years of not working out?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Hassid said this is a common question he gets asked, especially when medical problems begin to arise.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For Hassid, patients who were once incredibly active can often make common mistakes that increase the likelihood of injury.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c… Wherever they were when they were last running or doing their activity in terms of how much they were doing or how intense or how fast they were doing it, (they) just assume that they can jump right back in where they were, even though it\u2019s been weeks, months, years since they were last running.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hassid said those returning to running after a period of inactivity should be reminded they have lost a lot of the previous training benefits such as strengthening the tendons and muscles that help stabilize the joints and the movements of the legs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He recommended runners start with a fraction of what they were doing before and ease up on the intensity and the duration of runs, and he highly recommends days off between runs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For new runners or returning runners, Hassid encouraged a run\/walk progression. This means alternating running for one minute, then walking for one minute, or a one-to-one ratio of equal amounts walking and running. For people adjusting to a one-minute run, they can run for one minute, and walk for five minutes in order to lower the risk of injury, Hassid said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What are some common injuries involved in running?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

The most common running injury is patellofemoral pain syndrome, otherwise known as runner\u2019s knee. People will experience pain in front of the knee or behind the kneecap. The causes can be structural or a certain way of walking or running, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hassid recommends rest and treatment in order for the knee to heal correctly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He also mentioned other common injuries for runners.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople can get shin splints, where they get pain over the inner front part of the shins with running,\u201d Hassid said. \u201cThe things that we have to be careful with are that shin splints can look like a stress reaction, or even a stress fracture of the bones in the shin and the tibia, and we have to treat that much more conservatively, so you don\u2019t want to miss that.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

For shin splints, Hassid recommended being evaluated by a physician.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Where are local running trails in Sacramento?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

The Sacramento area is home to a number of running trails from running through the city to a run immersed in nature. Here are some of the trails highlighted by the Sacramento Running Association.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Lake Natoma Loop<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

1901 Hazel Ave., Gold River<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mckinley Park<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

601 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sacramento State University<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

6000 J St., Sacramento<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Southside Park<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

2107 6th St. Sacramento<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

William Land Park<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

4000 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Ancil Hoffman Park Trail<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

6341 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

City of Folsom<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

50 Natoma St., Folsom<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Johnson-Springview Park<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

5480 Fifth St., Rocklin<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What are the local running clubs in Sacramento?<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Running Association lists local running clubs for those looking to join a group, find new friends or get guidance on their running journey. Here are groups that can help.<\/p>\n

Read more High-Speed Rail wants to capture local taxes. Central Valley cities are willing to sue<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

9RUN6<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

9RUN6 is a twice a week running club in Sacramento aimed at having fun and encouraging each member.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Wednesday 5:30 a.m.<\/li>\n
  • Friday 5:30 a.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    <\/p>\n