Running Tips – A Compilation
Everyone has different tips that they use to help them run. Basically, different things work better or worse for different people. I thought I might share with you a collection of the running tips that I have collected over the past few months that have helped me. Some are super basic, and you will say so what. However, one of the things I love so much about running is the importance of basic fundamentals to ensuring success. Sometimes the most basic things can make a world of difference. So without further ado, I present to you my compilation:
- Keep your head up – This will help you keep your body in line and keep your chest open for proper breathing.
- Run your own run – Do not try to keep up with someone faster if it doesn’t feel right.
- Join a clinic or running group – I find nothing more motivating than running with a group of like-minded individuals who push one another to do their best.
- Vary your tempo – Don’t run fast every day – vary it up with long slow runs, shorter speed runs etc.
- Hills are actually good – Hills suck while you are doing them, but I have found nothing progresses my running faster than a good bout of hills. Do them (if you have been training for at least 6 weeks).
- Do hills max once per week – As good as hills are for your running performance, they are brutal on the body. Knees, ankles, shins – the whole deal.
- Focus on landing on the middle of your foot as opposed to taking big strides and landing on your heal. Your entire leg will thank you.
- Pick a goal race – Goals are very important to staying motivated. If you know you are running with a specific purpose in mind (i.e. finish a 10K under 1 hour, just finish a half) then you will find it much easier to get up early to get that run in.
- Rest – Don’t run everyday. Take more days off than you think you need and you will be much better for it. I find this one tough to do, but if I don’t follow it, my body quickly tells me to back off. I like to cross-train on my mountain bike every once in a while to vary things up.
- Buy the right shoes – Shoes are the most important piece of equipment you can buy. Make sure you get properly fitted, are analyzed in terms of pronation, supination, etc and get a size that fits you perfectly. Be super picky. Don’t buy because a certain pair looks cool. Replace them at the first sign of sole breakdown (or before).
That is it for now. I am sure you all have specific tips that works for you. Let me know. I would love to hear them.
