Running season is beginning, and whether you are a novice runner or experienced, it is always a good idea to make sure you are doing everything you can to reduce your risk for injuries. A key component to a good running program is to ensure that you allow plenty of time for a warm-up and cool down with every run.
The purpose of a warm-up is to raise your body temperature and increase joint range of motion by reducing muscle stiffness. So in order to make sure your body and muscles are prepared for your run, you should introduce some low-level cardio and stretching exercises.
A warm-up should be anywhere from 5-10 minutes long. It is important to make sure it is not too tiring, or it will have a negative impact on your running performance and could possibly increase your risk for injury.