Run clubs are an excellent way to learn from veteran runners. While they are often lead by a trained instructor, this is a great time to ask questions and learn other’s tricks for running safely and effectively. Many of the simple changes I’ve made (such as not running with my hands in a fist but open as if each one is holding an egg to reserve energy), I’ve learned when running with others.
Having shoes that fit correctly changed everything for me, along with sticking to their lifespan. Depending on your mileage, shoes can last a few months to a year. Visit a store that allows you to run in front of an expert who can check your running style and foot composite to find the sneaker of your dreams. Remember, it’s best to spend a little extra on a shoe and a lot less on doctors appointments needed to fix preventable running injuries.
To build strong muscles that will carry you through any type of race, find cross training activities that support your strength. My favorite cross-training work outs are lifting weights (squats are a girl’s best friend) and yoga!
Really. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Take a day off each week from running. While I’m a big advocate for low impact rest days, such as taking a long walk or hike instead of a time-intensive run, listen to your body. Some days the only workout I get is lifting my fork to my mouth to carb load. And that is simply perfect.
How do you like to recover from a run? I’m a big fan of yoga for athletes. I find that yoga classes tailored to runners offer great hamstring and quad stretches that I don’t always get in my usual vinyasa flow!
I’m just a fan of getting moving again. I don’t get super sore very often, but when I do, even though it’s really tempting to just sit around, I always feel better when I get on a bike, go for a short slow run, or do a little bit of yoga to ease up on some of the soreness!
Awesome suggestion! I agree, I think we often forget how much a good a simple walk can heal, body & mind.