Last Updated on March 22, 2018 by Kimberly Stroh
There is nothing like a run in the morning to keep you energized throughout the day. That, coupled with the health benefits of running and the added perk of weight loss makes it an ideal exercise. However, running isn’t so simple. Have you ever felt drained after running just a few yards? Or maybe you have experienced body aches after running?
Or have experienced a searing pain in the sole of your foot after running? This is because running, like any other exercise, cannot be winged. It takes effort to become a good runner.
Tips That Will Make you Become a Better Runner
1. Plan Your Run
As motivating as it is, don’t just get up one day and go on a run. Plan it ahead. Get the necessary gear such as a water bottle, running shoes (extremely important), a simple exercise outfit that has no unnecessary frills that hamper your run, and a heart rate monitor or a smart watch. Also, get running plans. You can get one from specialized running coaches or for basic, preliminary ones, you can turn to the internet.
2. Start out Slow
Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make with any exercise is starting off string. BAD idea. You don’t want to waste your energy during your warm up and lose the will to run much longer. Instead, start out slow. This is important both in terms of energy and time. Run slowly and with exaggerated steps at first and then, as you gain momentum, increase your agility. Considering running time, start off with a 10 minute run and slowly increase your running time. Some experts say that your runs should only be a 10% increase on the running time of your last run.
3. Get Good Running Shoes
Please don’t flake on this investment. Don’t go running in shoes which were built for trekking or hiking. Every shoe is built for a particular purpose. Running shoes are light, while trekking shoes are heavy to give you a solid grip. Some of the best running shoes on the market are Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged, Nike Flex, Puma Ignite, and Under Armor Charged Bandit 3. Choose one of these or get shoes which make you feel comfortable, the latter being the most important.
4. Don’t Overdo it
A common running mistake made by many is overexertion. Never has overexertion ensured or even led to better and faster results. All it does is stunts your progress and tires you out. This is the number one reason why running is painful for many. A common consequence of putting extra pressure on your feet is plantar fasciitis, a condition where the sole of your feet swells up and hurts you with every step you take. This, although curable while young, can bloom into a serious and permanent condition at an older age. However, this is just one of the results of overexertion during running. Other consequences include lethargy, body aches, headaches, and etcetera.
If you have plantar fasciitis, make sure you wear proper shoes. Here are some comfortable options: https://bestwalkingfeet.com/good-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis/
5. Develop a Routine (And stick to it)
This only comes after you have run for a while. When you come to a point where you can see visible changes in your physical physique and can feel that you have reached that sweet spot of detoxification, you know that what you are doing is right. For those of you who are unable to do so, hire a running coach who can work with you on your running routine and perfect your technique.