Every year, more and more people take to the streets to run; it’s becoming not only a trend, but also a way of thinking and living that promotes good health and continued activity.
In the effort to stay active and beat obesity, many are finding solace in running. Whether it’s for sport or simply to achieve personal weight and training goals, running is something that is at the forefront of the nation.
Here are some tips for new and experienced runners alike:
1. Map out your journey
From day one, you should know where you think you’d like to be headed with regards to your goals. If you want to be running a 5K within a few weeks, set benchmarks.
2. Invest in the right equipment
The right shoes make a world of difference. Thrift store sneakers just won’t suffice, and can lead to injury. It pays off in the long run to invest a bit more in the right shoes.
3. Respect your body
The old adage tells us that the body is a temple; respect and embrace this. You’ll feel good if you start your day with a big breakfast containing a healthy dose of protein. This is important even on those non-running days.
4. Tailor your diet
You have to figure out what works for you, nutritionally. Everybody is different, but everyone needs an extra amount of fuel if they’re going to increase their amount of physical activity.
5. Hydrate frequently
Water is the key; while the diet is important, you need to replenish all of the fluids that your body is going to lose while you’re running.
This is especially true in the hot months; avoid the peak times of day with regards to exposure to the sunlight, and always try to carry water with you.
6. Always breathe
Focus on controlling and grounding your breath whenever you get overworked. This can be a major key toward beating the task mentally.
7. Keep a diary
Make actual notes of how your journey is going. This will be incredibly helpful when you look back for trends and tips about your own personal experience.
8. Switch up the path
If you’ve been running the same path every day, you might want to consider trying some new courses. Vary your elevations; when many start training on hills, their running world opens up.
9. Run with friends
Encourage your friends to come along with you; sometimes this takes your mind off of the physical struggles and allows you to slip into good form.
10. Live your entire life the way you hope to run
Life itself is very comparable to running; this is why many people love it. Life’s often compared to a marathon, and if you can form good habits for the way that you want to live your life, they’re going to translate in your athletic performance.
Good running advice doesn’t end here. What works for one might not work for everyone; the key is listening to yourself and respecting both your body and your effort to learn more about how you work.
