Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Change to Your Running Routine
As I was going through the most recent (and sadly, the final) issue of Running Times magazine, an article jumped out at me that I had to share.
The article talks about 6 things you can do to make a change to your training/lifestyle that can help you improve your running this year and beyond.
We Fear Change.
Honestly, there isn’t anything to be afraid of with any of these changes. But any time I get a chance to pay homage to one of my favorite 2-3 movies ever, I’m going to take it.
And in this case, it can be a good thing to make a change.
If you want to check out the full article, here is the link.
If you want the Cliff’s notes, enjoy.
6 Ways to Make a Change & Improve Your Running in 2016
- Emphasize Endurance: Want to get faster at just about any distance? Run more! Seriously, there are plenty of physiological benefits of endurance training that will help you get faster. No matter what distance you’re training for, increasing your training volume (intelligently, of course) will help you get faster.
- Make Recovery a Priority: So wait, rest is important? Yeah, it sure is. Getting enough sleep, taking days off, and keeping your easy days easy all play a role in helping your recover (and improve).
- Become a Complete Athlete: Running is good and all, but we function better as humans (in all facets of life, including running) if we are well rounded. Running can still be the priority, but don’t forget to do some other physical activity once in a while.
- Switch to High-Octane Fuel: Eating healthy food gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and fuel that it needs to function optimally. You don’t need to eat perfect all of the time, Lord knows I don’t, but making more good choices is only going to help you.
- Embrace Positivity: Turns out, the Little Engine That Could was on to something. Thinking positive thoughts can definitely help you get through the hard times in a run or a race.
- Be Persistent and Consistent: Let’s be honest, reaching your peak as a distance runner takes time. If you can be consistent in your training over months and years, you’ll see the improvement much more rapidly than if you only train sporadically. Seems obvious, but it’s a good thing to remember.
Like I said, none of these things are rocket science.
You may already be doing a few of them, and if you’ve been following along here on the blog for awhile you know I’ve been talking about most of these ideas for awhile.
That said, most of us (myself included) can still improve in one or more of these areas.
So if you’re looking to take your running to the next level, in 2016 or beyond, these are some good places to focus on to start!
What are You Doing to Make a Change to Your Running Routine to Help You Improve?