Runningis great for so many reasons.
It is phenomenal for cardiovascular health.
The myth that running is bad for your knees has been debunked many times over.
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We also know that moving is better for those with arthritis!
Running gets people outside, and we know that being in nature is good for our mental health.
Run clubs are booming now, so running is also a way to create and maintain a community.
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For those who count calories, running will burn more than other activities.
Finally, running is fun those who say it isn’t just haven’t given it a try!
However, there are certain habits that can make running harmful.
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Here are six mistakes to avoid.
Many will get injured from doing too much too soon.
These days, there is no break-in period for shoes.
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For many people, they will have two days when they run back to back.
The foam in today’s shoes needs time to rebound (over 24 hours).
If there is inclement weather, you will want a dry pair for your next run.
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Music can definitely help with cadence, motivation, and perceived exertion.
I like using music to help runners with their cadence.
Blinding Lights by the Weeknd is great for holding 180rpm.
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Create a playlist with songs just above your current cadence and work on holding the beat.
The same goes for the daily run.
Having earbuds in or headphones on means you’re able to’t hear what is going on around you.
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Based on where you run, this can be dangerous.
It also prevents you from letting your mind go.
Running is a great time to think.
Give yourself the opportunity to embrace time with your thoughts.
I often find that people who wear earbuds are loud runners.
What does that mean?
They hit the ground hard.
Maybe they started listening to music to drown out their own footfall, or maybe they don’t know.
Listen to your running; how is your footfall, and how is your breathing?
Running without music gives you a chance to work on your mental game.
What does a 6 min pace feel like versus a 9 min pace?
What is your body telling you on a specific day?
It can be really hard to get high school kids to bring a watch to practice.
They naturally go on to feel something many older runners have forgotten how to do.
On the flip side, sometimes people keep the ‘feel’ constant, so they never really push themselves.
Keep a healthy focus on the data.
They don’t want to be last or not hit a time.
So what if you don’t hit your time?
Create a process goal.
Maybe you want to feel stronger in the middle of the event.
Maybe you want to enjoy the finish line.
Maybe you want to run more than you walk.
That way, you will feel successful no matter the time on the clock.
If you fail, then stop and think about what you have learned.
We don’t grow without failure.
There are literally thousands of great quotes about failure.
The reality is you could’t fail unless you try.
What fun is it if you never try?
So, drop the fear of failure and embrace the opportunity to learn about yourself.
