When most people who don’t run hear the term ‘running better’, they look skeptical, assuming that running is a very natural movement and that it should be quite easy.
But you’ll be surprised to know how small running tips and changes can make a big difference not just to your speed, but also prevent injuries.
These tips make an even bigger difference when you’re training for an event. These tips will help improve running speed, running distance and reduce running injuries. Here are some basic but essential running tips to get you started.
1. Get Energy
Running requires energy and for you to run well, you need to have energy stored in your body. So, ensure you feed yourself correctly before a run. If you run on an empty stomach, your body will look for energy stores within itself to get that energy. If you haven’t eaten anything and need some quick energy right before the run, eat some boiled sugar candy, jaggery or a glucose based drink. If you have, say, 30 minutes before your run, eat some slow burning carbohydrates like oatmeal, dalia, muesli with low fat milk or any other such breakfast cereal. Don’t overeat as it will make you feel heavy.
2. Hydrate Well
When your body is not well hydrated, it affects your performance. To hydrate yourself well, drink water 30 minutes before your workout. Right before your run if you’re thirsty, have a glass of water, but if you drink too much, then it might sit in your belly while you are running - not too much fun!If you need water while your run, you can run with a small bottle of water and keep sipping as you need. As you build up your running ability, your need to sip water while you run will reduce. If you can’t carry a bottle with you, then place it somewhere on your running track.
3. Wear the Right clothing
Wear running shorts that are light- preferably made of material that wicks sweat away from the skin. Cargo/khakhi shorts are a strict no. On top, avoid cotton t-shirts for two reasons- one they can cause chaffing from all the rubbing against your skin. Nipple chaffing is a common problem among male runners who don’t wear the correct clothing. And the other reason is that cotton absorbs sweats and holds it, so it adds to the weight of the clothing. Also, it sticks to your skin. Psychologically and physically, it can affect your performance.