Are you one of the millions of people who enjoy running on a regular basis? If so, you’ll be well aware of the range of benefits you can enjoy from running – it is much easier to maintain a healthy weight; it makes you feel great; and you sleep better with less stress and anxiety. If you’ve been training for a while, or even you’re just starting out – and trying to fit in your routine while being a parent too, there are lots of ways to up your game. Find out here how to run better and get more out of your sessions…
Think about your running technique
Changing the way you run can take time and effort, but it can make you move faster and more efficiently, and lessen the chances that you will suffer an injury. Make a conscious effort to raise yourself up to your full height as you move – imagine you are being pulled up by an invisible string. You should lean forward slightly, but with your whole body rather than just your hips.
The next thing to focus on is trying to get your feet to hit the ground underneath your body, rather than in front of it. If the heels of your feet land in front of you as you run, you will not be able to move as quickly as you would if you had altered your technique, and you’re more likely to cause increased wear and tear on your joints. If you’re struggling to change your running technique, ask a friend to watch as you move so that you can find out where you’re going wrong.
Speed up
Every runner wants to be able to move faster, and it seems obvious that all you need to do is push yourself harder. However, if you’re not used to running at an accelerated pace, you could easily wear yourself out and cause damage. To improve the pace of your running routine, speed up in short bursts. Run as fast as you can for a few minutes, then slow down to a jog or brisk walk. The more you practice this, the quicker your times will be.
Protect your muscles and joints
There are lots of ways that you can prevent injury, and protect your muscles and joints from becoming worn out. You should have a good warmup and cool down routine already established, but you can improve on that. There are lots of exercises that you can do to increase your strength and flexibility, which you will find on mobilityguardian.com.
Make sure you protect your knees and hips by wearing a decent pair of running shoes. Don’t assume that they will last all year – depending on how much you run, you’ll need to replace them regularly.
You can run more efficiently and for longer with a little effort and know-how, and it will make a huge difference to the quality of your workout. If you’re ever struggling to get motivated, ask some friends to join you – and have fun!
