How to Become a Better Runner
If you want to become a better runner, then all you really need to do is commit to it. I don’t mean to sound like a sneaker commercial but the key to improving your running is to do it every other day. Here are some tips:
Have a Major Goal and Lots of Minor Goals
A good motivational tool to become a better runner is to have a major goal you are working towards and several minor goals you can achieve weekly. For example, if you always wanted to run in a marathon, then you should start working towards it by making minor goals. You might, for example, make one mile the goal for you first week if you are just getting started. If you already do a little bit of running, you might aim for 3 miles or 5 miles. But, make sure that they are achievable,
The idea is to give yourself smaller goals on the way to your overall goal so that you can feel a sense of progression. You should also be sure to reward yourself for achieving your goals. So, as you add on miles you might reward yourself with each new mile by going to a movie or out to a restaurant. All this will make it easier to keep yourself motivated and give you a sense of forward momentum.
Get Yourself into a Running Habit
Running is a form of practical knowledge. It’s not theoretical, although you can certainly apply a theory to it. Since running is a practical field of knowledge, you can get to know it in your bones. By doing it over and over again you give your body the deep knowledge it needs to get through long runs successfully.
If you want to become a better runner, you should try to run every other day barring injury. Run even if you still feel tired from your last run, or are away on business, or partied the night before. Try to get up at the same time every couple of days and put in a run. You want to get to the point that if you don’t run, you’re body feels weird, as if you didn’t take a shower or change your clothes.
You will find that once running is a habit embedded deep in your bones, you will be able to endure much more rigorous runs without feeling like you are hitting a wall.
Stretch, Stretch, Stretch
If you’ve done any serious running at all, you already know this, but it bears reminding, any time you are going to take any sports activity seriously, you have to learn to stretch properly. If you don’t take stretching seriously, you will soon find injuries and cramping creeping in. So stretching is one of the keys if you want to become a better runner. Most people don’t spend enough time stretching before they rush out the door for their morning runs. You will be a much more effective runner if you take the time to make sure you warm up before heading out the door.
Get the Proper Equipment
Bad running shoes and ratty clothes are a sure way to get injuries and to drain your enthusiasm. If you want to become a better runner, you need to invest a little bit in the equipment that will help you achieve your goals. A good pair of cross-trainers is not only a good way of committing to running, but will also protect your feet from the typical problems caused by your new found commitment to running.
Ratty clothes not only keep you from getting enthusiastic about your new habit, but may actually hinder your running by hanging too loosely or uncomfortably. Go out and get some new running shorts and sweats.
Then you’re ready to go.