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Using the right running routine, running technique and running form to help you learn how to run correctly
This title may seem like learning how to tie your shoelaces; you’d have thought most of us knew how to run at this point, but even shoelaces have a technique, and often people can misunderstand, take a while to learn it and, of course, mess it up – ever had your shoe laces come undone? Yeah, that’s on you.
So if you’re wanting to avoid any shoelace mishaps and nail the technique of something you thought obvious, then you’re in the right place. Of course, this post isn’t investigating the ins and outs of shoelace tying… we’re looking at running.
And running has a few little things you’re probably missing right now.
Proper running form, the right running shoes, a brilliant training program and an excellently admirable warm-up; if variety is the spice of life, then combining that variety in specific ways is even better.
Nutrition
Before you even set one foot in front of the other, you need to be thinking about food. They say you are what you eat, and in the world of fitness, this couldn’t be more true. Whether you want to push yourself during a running session or run at your own pace, the right diet is necessary to achieve that goal. Thankfully, you don’t need to do all that someone who’s running a half marathon needs to, but even small changes can help you cross that finish line, give you more energy and help you progress (or of course, lose weight if that’s your aim).
Check out this nutrition guide for info.
Strength training
Being strong enough to do, well, anything you need to do is vital. Naturally, strength always gives you an upper hand in the world of physical development, but don’t panic if you read the word ‘gym‘ there – you don’t need to be Arnie to go for a run.
Using cross-training sessions, a weight-based exercise routine or simple bodyweight exercises will help you to run. Essentially, having stronger muscles lead to less anaerobic and aerobic demand from your bodily systems, reducing fatigue and increasing mileage.
Take a look at this easy guide to beginner exercises.
Low-intensity activities
If you’re starting a new routine, you probably want all the help you can get. Fortunately, it’s not just about heavy-duty weight training or hardcore diets; often, it’s the little stuff that makes that final difference.
From a brisk walk to a dynamic warm-up, glance over these habits from Nerd Fitness below, and you’ll be surprised at how much they help your fitness game –
- Walking – go for a nice long walk around your town, and keep your head up. Enjoy the scenery.
- Hiking – my personal favourite: get out and see the world!
- Biking – easy on your joints, gets you moving.
- Swimming – very low impact as the water holds you up.
- Elliptical – although I’m not a fan of spending all afternoon in a gym on a treadmill, this is the better option as it removes the opportunity for joint impact.
Conclusion
Good running form, new running routine planning, the best exercise running habit around – there’s a lot you can do. Running shouldn’t be a chore, so focus on making it enjoyable first, and the rest will follow.
FAQs
Is there a universal ‘good running form’?
There isn’t per se. While there are plenty of commonly known positive attributes, it will depend on your own stance and body.
**See the part 1 of “How to learn to run“.
