In honor of it being Spring and once again a perfect season for running races, here’s a list of my favorite running tips. I gathered some tips from various websites that I found most helpful and that I could relate to the most. Here are the top ten!
1. Get good running shoes and use them for running only.
The most important thing to have in order to be a runner is a good shoe that fits your needs. Spend the extra money and invest in a shoe that you know will work for you. When you have a running shoe, also buy another pair of tennis shoes that you can wear for other activities. Your running shoes should be used for running and running only.
2. Massage your feet after a run.
I had never paid much attention to this, but I saw it on another running tip list and realized how important it is. Your feet take the impact of your run, so it’s good to take care of them. Use something like a tennis ball and roll your foot across it on the floor to massage the tissue on the bottom of your foot.
3. Give yourself a rest day.
I cannot stress this one enough. As someone who has suffered from shin splints from over doing it, I know how important it is to give your legs a rest, especially after a long run.
4. Hydration Hydration Hydration.
This is another one that I had to learn the importance of the hard way. I noticed I would have horrible stomach cramps when I ran if I didn’t drink enough water and had to much caffine, like coffee. Caffine is ok, but make sure you stay hydrated. Drink lots of water days before a race or a long run.
5. Land on your forefoot first.
This is how I run and always have run. Landing on my forefoot is the most comfortable way to run for me, but it is also better for your joints because running this way creates less collision.
6. Run with your thumbs over your fist.
I have never tried this particular technique, but I will be trying it on my next run. I often get cramps in my shoulders when I run long distance because I am too tense. Running with your thumbs down helps your muscles to relax.
7. Pace your breathing.
Having slow and steady breathing is one of the most important things for a runner to do. Finding the way to breath for yourself can really help, especially for someone like me who has asthma. Breathing can be an issue if I’m not paying attention to keeping my breathing steady.
8. Finish fast and finish strong.
Seeing the finish line, even if you’re not running a race, is one of the best feelings ever. Trying to sprint to the finish line after running miles and miles and miles, however, is not one of the easiest thing to do. Give it your all in that last stretch of your run and it will be all the more rewarding when you’ve finished.
9. Be grateful to be able to run and run happy.
Even on the days you don’t feel like running, get out and run. Realize how blessed you are to be able to run and be happy because of it.
10. Just get out there and go.
There are days when you’re tired, when you have other things to do, when you’re in a bad mood, when you simply do not feel like running. Get out and run anyways. You’ll feel a lot better about yourself knowing that you pushed yourself to get out and do something that is good for you. I know that I always feel better after a run, no matter how good of a run it actually was or how far I went.
For some of these same tips and more visit http://www.shape.com/fitness/training-plans/best-running-tips-all-time/slide/6 or http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/your-best-running-tips-0?page=single.