If you’re looking to become a better, faster, and stronger runner, look no further. We’re about to share some hot tips and tricks that will help you to unlock your best run yet.
Stay Hydrated
Running while dehydrated will slow you down, and make your heart and body need to work so much harder. Do yourself a favor and aim to drink plenty of water before you plan on going for a run. This is such an easy and simple hack that will elevate your run.
Incorporate Strength Training
For those who love running, it can feel counterproductive to incorporate other kinds of exercise into your routine. However, having one or two sessions of strength training a week will improve your running. Strength training sessions that have a strong focus on your core will help reduce injury and improve your overall fitness. Exercises like planks, squats, and lunges are a good place to start.
Protect Your Knees
If you’ve ever experienced pain at the top or side of your knees, you’ve likely become a victim of the incredibly common runner’s knee. Runner’s knee, otherwise known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, usually occurs from overuse. So, to protect your knees, it is important to not overdo it when training and invest in a knee bandage for added support. If you are unsure about what type of knee support is best for your needs, always speak to a professional.
Another way to protect your knees is to invest in high-quality supportive footwear to help absorb the impact of hitting the pavement. So, if the soles of your running shoes are looking a little thin, it’s certainly time to upgrade your kit.
Prioritize Rest
In our hectic, fast-paced lives, sleep is often one of the first things to be neglected, but if you’re working on improving your running, you may want to skip watching an extra episode or scrolling on Facebook and, instead, get an early night. Think about what time you usually get up in the morning, then count back 8 hours to figure out your optimal bedtime. To ensure you get the most out of all 8 hours, try to cultivate a bedtime routine. This can be as simple as washing your face and doing a five-minute meditation. A simple routine will signify to your brain that it’s time to sleep. It’s also worthwhile staying away from screens at least half an hour before you go to bed.
In addition to getting enough sleep, runners should also prioritize whole rest days. Running every single day does not give your body time to do vital maintenance. Having full rest days gives your body repair muscle fibers, which makes them stronger. So, give yourself a day off to unlock your best run yet.
Set Achievable Goals
Lastly, when attempting to improve your runs, you cannot be complacent. Set yourself long and short-term goals. Figure out what would give you a real sense of achievement, then work towards that. While it’s good to push yourself, setting small achievable goals is also a good way to keep up your momentum and stay motivated. Celebrate your wins, and keep working towards faster, longer runs.
