Simple Running Tips

I wanted to share a few simple running tips today. I am by no means an expert, I'm not a trainer or fitness professional. But, I've been running for several years and have picked up a few things along the way. These are things that have helped me a lot.

Intervals – Walk/Run in the beginning. It will help build up your stamina and helps pass the time a little quicker (at least for me). Any variation of running slower, then faster is considered interval training.
Patience – It gets better. It will get easier but it's always challenging. One way or another, each run is a challenge. Whether it's just getting your butt out the door, or finding your stride, or wanting to stop a little early - there's always something.
Sign up for a race – Having a training plan is a great place to start and keeps you accountable on those days you don't feel like running. It gives you a focus other than calorie burn. There's something bigger at the end to work for.
Cross Training - Make sure you also do cross training. Running is tough on the body so it's important to build strong muscles to support your joints on your runs. It will also help your muscles recover quicker, so you won't be as sore. Changing it up is good mentally as well, at least for me. A few cross training ideas are swimming or biking.
Strength Training – Same idea as the cross training. A strong core and muscles will help you become a better runner. Your body becomes more efficient because it's able to carry itself. For example, if your core is strong, you are able to run more upright. This puts less strain on your back because you aren't actively engaging it to stand more upright. Think about you arms when you run. If your arms are strong, it's much less effort to hold them up by your side as you run. I've been doing Crossfit for about 2.5 months and feel like I'm a much stronger runner because of it.
Shoes – Get fitted for shoes at a real running store. It doesn't cost any extra and the workers will help you find the right shoe for you. It's important to have good support when running. If you have good support, that means less wear and tear on your body and that means less aches and pains after runs.
Stretch – This one is still hard for me. The last thing I feel like doing after running is sitting and stretching for another 5-10 minutes, but it's important. It keeps your muscles from tightening up, which makes it harder to run the next time. Yoga is an option too!

I hope some or all of these tips will help you! Any other tips I haven't tried yet? (Edited to add in a few more details!)

Each Monday I'll be sharing a running/training related post until the race. It might be running specific, or a Project Life insert, or even just a round up of cute Lulu clothes that I want to buy for myself. Follow along here.