This blog post has been in my drafts for a year and a half now, and I figured there's no better time to post it than now, since running is one of the few activities we can do!
Back in January 2019, I told y'all that I successfully completed my 2018 goal of running 300 miles, and a lot of y'all were curious as to how I did it and what my running tips were! Today I'm sharing ten of my favorite running tips, but please keep in mind that I'm not a fitness or exercise expert and these are just some tips that have helped me :)
Find the right shoe // About three months into my running journey, my dad took me to a local running store to have my feet fitted for the proper shoes. I don't know that much about feet, but I do know that there are multiple types of feet (pronator and supinator) and it's important to get a type of shoe that will best support your feet. I have the ASICS Gel Nimbus shoes, and I absolutely love them, but before you go out and drop $100+ on shoes I would recommend getting fitted by a professional.
Back in January 2019, I told y'all that I successfully completed my 2018 goal of running 300 miles, and a lot of y'all were curious as to how I did it and what my running tips were! Today I'm sharing ten of my favorite running tips, but please keep in mind that I'm not a fitness or exercise expert and these are just some tips that have helped me :)
Find the right shoe // About three months into my running journey, my dad took me to a local running store to have my feet fitted for the proper shoes. I don't know that much about feet, but I do know that there are multiple types of feet (pronator and supinator) and it's important to get a type of shoe that will best support your feet. I have the ASICS Gel Nimbus shoes, and I absolutely love them, but before you go out and drop $100+ on shoes I would recommend getting fitted by a professional.
Do ab workouts // One of the best pieces of running advice I've ever heard is to do as many sit-ups as you possibly can once you finish your run. It's so important to have good posture and core strength while running, because a strong core is the foundation for all of your other muscles.
Listen to music or podcasts // When I first started running in about 6th grade, I really didn't like it. It wasn't until I started to listen to music that I really fell in love with running. I love to listen to a bunch of upbeat songs that keep me energized throughout my run (check out some of my favorite songs for running here), but some days I enjoy listening to podcasts (currently loving Gals on The Go & Manifest).
Set a running schedule // When I set out to run 300 miles in 2018, I knew I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't set a schedule for myself. 300 miles in one year comes out to exactly 25 miles, so I did my best to stay on track and run 25 miles per month. If you are wanting to run more, instead of just planning on running more, I recommend setting a specific goal and sticking to that goal, because then you can actually just track your progress. Last year, I was more relaxed about running and didn't set a goal, and I only ran around 150 miles.
Track your progress with an app // At the beginning of 2019, my dad introduced me to an app called Strava, and I use it every time I go for a run! The app allows you to track your pace, distance, elevation, and more. It also keeps track of your best times for each distance so you know where you can improve. If you have a Fitbit or Apple Watch, you can also sync the app with your watch for even more statistics. It has changed the game for me when it comes to running.
Get a smart watch // If you don't have a smart watch, now is the time to invest in one. I personally have the Fitbit Charge 3, and I love it! Like the Strava app, a smart watch gives you tons of statistics for each run, which I think is so cool!
Find a time that works for you // Some people love waking up at the crack of dawn to go for a run, because they feel energized afterwards and they have the whole day ahead of them. That is not me. I prefer going for a run just before sunset, after I've gotten home from school and eaten a snack. Even on weekends or during the summer, I always run in the evening as opposed to the morning.
Ditch the treadmill // I hate running on the treadmill with everything in me. I literally struggle to run a mile on the treadmill, because I get so bored and tired of running. Outside, however, is a different story. I love running in my neighborhood, on trails, at parks... wherever there is some sort of scenery that I can look at while I run. I get it if it's freezing cold outside or pouring rain, but if at all possible I suggest running outside. Believe me, if I was confined to only the treadmill, I would despise running.
Track your progress with an app // At the beginning of 2019, my dad introduced me to an app called Strava, and I use it every time I go for a run! The app allows you to track your pace, distance, elevation, and more. It also keeps track of your best times for each distance so you know where you can improve. If you have a Fitbit or Apple Watch, you can also sync the app with your watch for even more statistics. It has changed the game for me when it comes to running.
Get a smart watch // If you don't have a smart watch, now is the time to invest in one. I personally have the Fitbit Charge 3, and I love it! Like the Strava app, a smart watch gives you tons of statistics for each run, which I think is so cool!
Find a time that works for you // Some people love waking up at the crack of dawn to go for a run, because they feel energized afterwards and they have the whole day ahead of them. That is not me. I prefer going for a run just before sunset, after I've gotten home from school and eaten a snack. Even on weekends or during the summer, I always run in the evening as opposed to the morning.
Ditch the treadmill // I hate running on the treadmill with everything in me. I literally struggle to run a mile on the treadmill, because I get so bored and tired of running. Outside, however, is a different story. I love running in my neighborhood, on trails, at parks... wherever there is some sort of scenery that I can look at while I run. I get it if it's freezing cold outside or pouring rain, but if at all possible I suggest running outside. Believe me, if I was confined to only the treadmill, I would despise running.
Participate in races // Nothing is more invigorating than the feeling of crossing the finish line after a long, hard race. Running in races is so fun, especially when you do it with a friend! I've done a couple local races (I love the Runway 5k in Dallas!), but I really want to run in the Blue Bell 5k in Brenham and the Silo District Marathon in Waco. I was actually planning on running the Silo race this year... but it's cancelled because of corona :(
Just do it // I could give you tip after tip, but at the end of the day... you just have to go for a run. And you just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you've finished your run. And then you do it again. And again. And it gets easier, and you're faster, and you go farther... and the next thing you know, you've fallen in love with running. It's that simple. There is truly no better time than now to start!
What are your best tips for running?
Just do it // I could give you tip after tip, but at the end of the day... you just have to go for a run. And you just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you've finished your run. And then you do it again. And again. And it gets easier, and you're faster, and you go farther... and the next thing you know, you've fallen in love with running. It's that simple. There is truly no better time than now to start!
What are your best tips for running?
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