Whether you’re just a beginner or you’ve been running for a while, there is always room for improvement. Even Usain Bolt himself has to put in the work to consistently improve his performance!
If you’re wondering how to get better at running, here are some simple ways to become a stronger runner.
The right mentality
This may seem like an obvious and easy point but your mindframe could be the biggest obstacle. It is important to get yourself into the right mindframe before running as if you're only putting in half the effort, you’ll only see half the result you’re looking for. Make training a priority and you’ll be sure to succeed.
Listen to music
Listening to your favourite music or motivational podcasts can really get you pumped to start running. This is a great way to block out your surroundings and focus on the challenge in front of you.
Improve your posture
The key to running is to practice proper form, which means keeping your upper body tall yet relaxed. Practice sitting and standing up straight to improve your posture, or try using a massage gun on your back and shoulders to relax and ease any tightness.
Try HIIT workouts
HIIT stands for high intensity interval training, which consists of exercising in periods of high and low intensity to build speed and endurance. It also burns a lot of calories in a short space of time. This kind of training is a great way to build up your muscles and physical endurance, which can be extremely beneficial if you’re wanting to know how to run for longer periods.
Practice sprinting
Doing short sprints can improve your acceleration technique. This is why even marathon runners benefit from sprinting while training, as longer strides while running typically means you can run faster.
Wear the right shoes
Wearing clumpy or uncomfortable shoes can drastically slow down your run. Your shoes should mimic your foot’s natural movement and improve your stride. Try a minimalist pair to see if less weight means more energy for faster feet.
Practice breathing
If you can learn how to breathe properly while running this can have huge benefits on your performance overall. Use both your nose and mouth while inhaling and exhaling to get the maximum amount of oxygen to the muscles. Also, try belly breathing — fill the diaphragm, not the chest, with air on each inhale.
Stretch daily
Stretching improves flexibility and range of motion. This can not only improve strides and also help to prevent future injuries.
Using muscle recovery equipment also has a similar effect to stretching. It works to improve circulation to the muscles, easing muscle soreness, and improving mobility. Try the Pulseroll range of muscle recovery tools including the massage gun and vibrating foam roller to get the most effective results.
By spending some time trying out these new hints and tips, you’ll become more knowledgeable on how to get better at running. Like we said, whether you are a beginner or a well-known athlete, everyone has to start somewhere and has to spend some time perfecting their performance.
