5 ways to improve your running
Whether you want to run further or faster, here's how to give your running a boost
- Remember where you started. If you feel you're not getting any better, think back to how running felt when you first started. You've undoubtedly improved since then. Sometimes, it seems that running doesn't get any easier, but it's probably just that being fitter, you are now running faster and for longer. See it as a postive rather than a negative.
- Get some support. It's hard to improve when you run alone all the time - run with someone who is better than you or join a running club for extra motivation. See whether there is a local Parkrun you could join - a timed 5km run that is held for free weekly at outside venues across the country.
- Race against the clock. Run with a watch and aim to keep beating your times. Try a two-lap run, on which you time your first lap, then aim to run faster on the second. keep a note of your times and try to go a bit faster next time too.
- Be kind to yourself. It's good to push yourself, but not so much that you end up feeling dreadful. If your brain starts to associate running with feelings of exhaustion and utter despair, you will find your motivation disappears.
- Get inspired. Go along and spectate at a race. It will give you a good idea of what to expect if you decide to run a race. Best of all, when you see the cheering crowds and how much fun everyone taking part is having - plus the sense of achievement they get from finishing - it might even inspire you to line up on the start line yourself.
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