101 Running Tips
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1. Use Vaseline
You might want to spare yourself from blisters while running. The best way to prevent them is by using Vaseline.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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2. Go easy
Go easy on yourself. Gradually increase your running distance, but don’t overshoot 10% per week.
from Ana, London - www.runreviews.com
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3. Take a break
Every 4th or 5th week make sure you decrease workout by at least 30%. Your body needs a break once in a while.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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4. Cut your toenails
You should cut your toenails short if you don't like discomfort or even injury.
from Jason, New Jersey
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5. Protect your toes
Protect your toes by using BodyGlide. They do need some extra care, especially on long runs..
from Ana, London - www.runreviews.com
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6. Cold water
Avoid hot water after a race. Cold water will make healing much faster.
from Ursu,Bicaz Romania - www.runreviews.com
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7. No new things before the race
Don't get curious on race day. New shoes and gear or some new foodstuff will have to wait until the race is over.
from Ursu,Bicaz Romania - www.runreviews.com
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8. Take your ID with you
It’s always recommended to carry I.D.
from Bill, Miami
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9. Superheros
Don’t act like a super runner if you're not. Try to keep it short and slow at first so that soreness doesn't get you down.
from Heather, Colorado - www.heatherrunsfar.com
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10. Slow down
If you have problems breathing, just slow down and relax for a bit.
from Ursu,Bicaz Romania - www.runreviews.com
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11. Be realistic
Be realistic about your goals. Don't over appreciate your abilities.
from Ana, London - www.runreviews.com
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12. Keep a Blog
If you are the literary type, write down your experiences, either in a diary or on a blog or sports forums.
from Ursu,Bicaz Romania - www.runreviews.com
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13. No substitutes
Remember that no sports substitute, like gadget training programs, match a real run. Go out there and feel the morning brisk.
from Sean - runnersblog.blogspot.com/
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14. Variation
Get creative by varying the running itinerary, especially if you know you get bored fast. Running is also about innovation.
from Ana, London - www.runreviews.com
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15. Rest
Make sure you add rest to your daily training program. It is very important for the body to relax as long as it needs to.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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16. Dress lighter
Your running clothes should match a temperature 10 degree higher than it actually is.
from Petra, Lincolnshire UK - petraruns.blogspot.com
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17. Prevent heat distress
For preventing heat distress, you can soak a bandana in cold water and put it around your neck.
from Donnie Lincol,Nebraska
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18. Be comfortable
Make sure you look good in your running gear. It will definitely motivate you and will increase ambition.
from Patrick, Amsterdam
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19. Do it your way
Stick to your own way. Don’t focus on whether others are faster than you or not. Everybody has his/ her own rhythm.
from Timmy, Salt Lake City - rossy.fastrunningblog.com/
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20. Don't get depressed
This run may be worse than the last one. Don't get too depressed, it is only normal to feel sore and fatigue once in a while.
from Ursu,Bicaz Romania - www.runreviews.com
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21. Run smoothly
It is extremely important to run smoothly. You should closely care for your footing. The best way to avoid splints and other injuries is by letting your heel strike the ground first. It will ensure the right rhythm for your body and will protect you from discomfort and pain. from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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22. Move your arms
Don't forget about the relationship between arms and legs. Your knees follow the arms, which is why every time you move your arms faster your legs become faster. Exploit this asset of your body and use it for your every run.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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23. Gradually increase the length
You should train and increase speed and distance in a gradual manner. If you go radical on your body, you will get soreness. Listen to your body and act on its needs.
Konstantin, Pireus -Grecee
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24. See the big picture
Focus on the big picture. It's not only your legs that make you a good runner. It's your entire body that contributes to your performance. Your training program should contain exercises for all your body parts: reverse curls, split jumps, jump squats, crunches and a fair share of running on the spot with your knees high.
from Rodney M, Chicago
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25.Try running a hill
The outdoor environment is the best choice for increasing performance. A key to every runner is to have strong muscles and lungs and the best way to do that is by running up a hill. It will reinforce your lungs and will fortify your muscle groups.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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26. Know your heart rate
Find out what your maximum heart rate is and work it out. If you are a professional runner, you can do that after warm-up by running for 3 minutes as hard as possible followed by 2 minute rest. Do it again and afterwards count your rate. Knowing your heart rate will provide great benefits and will definitely improve your runs.
from Dennis, Seattle - www.runreviews.com
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27. Dehydration
A primary concern should be hydration. If the body doesn't receive full hydration, it will crack. And remember this: it is best if you prevent thirst. Every percent of dehydration cumbers performance. Be cautious and drink a lot of water.
from Jerry, Oklahoma - www.runreviews.com
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28. Be progressive
If you train too hard or too soon you risk to get injured. Make sure you raise the level in a progressive and controlled manner.
from Phil, UK - http://sorelimbs.co.uk/
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29. Take the stress off of your joints
One of the best ways to do this is by deep water running or cross training in the water. This will take the unnecessary stress and pounding off of your joints and bones but still give your muscles an excellent workout.
from Laura Sibley - www.aqxsports.com/
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30. Take the stress off of your joints
Work you abs and core muscles to improve your running. It seems counterintuitive, but the stronger your core, the better your form and the less you will fatigue while running. Also, you will minimize common running-related injuries by having a strong core!
from Melisa, Denver - www.m2marathon.blogspot.com/
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31. Strength training
Keep your muscles strong and balanced by making strength training an important component of your training.
from Jessica - www.seejessrun.com/
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32. PACE Yourself
Remember the "talk and sing test." For a majority of your run, you should be comfortable enough to carry on a conversation but not comfortable enough to sing.
from Emily Robins - www.oklahomarunningmom.blogspot.com
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33. Can the Soda
Stomach cramps, bloating, dehydration...soda and running just can't be friends.
from Emily Robins - www.oklahomarunningmom.blogspot.com
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34. Take a day off
If you take the time to really "listen" you'll better know when you should push yourself harder or take it easy. Sometimes taking a day off is the best thing for your overall success.
from Emily Robins - www.oklahomarunningmom.blogspot.com
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34. Celebrate Personal Victories
Don't compare yourself to others. There will always be someone who is faster or slower than you so comparing doesn't help with improvement. When you celebrate the strides you're making, you will have more motivation to continue improving.
from Emily Robins - www.oklahomarunningmom.blogspot.com
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35.Chocolate Milk
The perfect mix of carbs, protein and sugar. Use this instead of a traditional recovery drink.
from Emily Robins - www.oklahomarunningmom.blogspot.com
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36. Ice Your Sore Muscles
A great way to reduce muscle soreness is to use ice. The best method is to put a paper cup filled with water in your freezer. Once frozen, expose the ice by tearing off the top half of the cup. Move the ice over your muscle for at least 10-15 minutes; try to lightly massage the ice into the sorest parts. After icing, wrap your muscle with an ace bandage or towel and elevate for 10 minutes. Try to repeat this process one or two more times for maximum benefit.
from Casey - www.runners-resource.com
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37. Keep a training log
Keep a training log .. you'd be surprised how motivating it can be to look back at how you've progressed with your running. Be sure to include the distance, time it took to run it, the weather and how you felt about the run.
from Jokach - www.getyourserenity.com/blog/
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38. Enjoy the scenery
Take time to enjoy the scenery and be thankful for the opportunity to run. I think any running is better than no running - so don't take it for granted that you will always be able to run!.
from Mary - raceready.com/wp/
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38. Train on trails
Do your training on trails, if possible. This will be gentler on your joints and will allow you to run longer and stay healthier.
from Mary - raceready.com/wp/
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39. Most important...
The most important running tip! It's better to run one mile than to think about running five.
from David - www.tips4running.com/
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40. Listen to your body
The mind truly tires before the body, so if you're feeling good but your brain is telling you to stop, push on through! You can go that extra mile (or 10). On the flip side, if your body is just feeling off, take a break - a short break is much better than months trying to recover.
from Amber Taylor - http://mommiesontherun.blogspot.com
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