What can you do to run better every day? For some, the hardest part about running is simply breaking free from the day’s obligations and hit the pavement. Consistency is tough and improvement often feels slow.
But, for runners who establish that consistency will find that improvement suddenly becomes constant and natural, and the runs become more fun. For those looking for a path to this far away land… Here are 10 tips to help 😎
1. Find a running buddy!
Accountability is key. Finding others to run with will add an element of healthy peer pressure to your training.
2. Go Slow
Ease into your training and keep your pace comfortable early on. Becoming a good runner takes time and patience. Pushing too hard too early will lead to disappointment and could sour you on the sport altogether.
3. Pay attention to form
Pay attention to your gait, pronation and training objectives and find a running shoe—or two, or three—that fits your needs. Rotate your footwear during the week to keep it fresh and keep in mind that most shoes need to be replaced after 300 to 500 miles.
4. Get a coach
Find a running coach, a more experienced runner—or even a helpful gadget like this one —that will constantly offer up advice and constructive criticism.
5. Leave the watch at home
Fitness tracking apps can be hugely beneficial, but we can also become obsessed with numbers. Sometimes it’s best to leave the watch at home and just run by feel.
6. Sign up to a race
Running is easier when you’re running towards something. Race often to give your training purpose and add a motivational element to encourage consistency.
7. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is extremely important when you begin logging more and more miles. Keep a water bottle around as much as possible and turn drinking from it into an involuntary motor function.
8. Prepare your running gear
The key to remaining consistent in your training is to eliminate obstacles and distractions. Believe it or not, your clothes, earphones, socks and shoes can each become an insurmountable obstacle when time is of the essence. Lay your gear out the night before, charge your wireless gadgets and make life prior to your run as convenient as possible.
9. Switch it up!
When we get into a rhythm, we have a tendency to begin repeating the same type of run each day. Don’t spend all of your time on pavement. Hit the track—or grass or gravel—to help prevent overuse injuries. Each surface hits different muscles in your legs.
10. Stay flexible!
Stretch regularly and engage in some yoga or Pilates to keep your legs limber and healthy. But also think about “flexibility” in terms of your routine. Weather may force you indoors. Work may require some overtime. Roll with the punches and be willing to adjust to whatever life throws your way.
Summary
Hopefully, these points have helped and given you food for thought! Let me know if you want me to cover any of them in more detail in a future article.
Don’t forget to read my other articles on How to prevent getting injured and Health benefits of running for more tips and advice 😃
