Running is one of the most common workout ventures in a fitness routine. However, many people trying to better themselves may not have the background of experienced runners, leading to potential pitfalls. Knowing how a beginner can improve at long-distance running can help you avoid any obstacles in your way.
Dress for Success
Before you take on long distances while running full steam ahead, you should purchase the appropriate gear to help aid you during your runs and afterward for your recovery. Moisture-wicking clothing is vital during your runs because you must stay cool and dry.
A pair of top-notch running shoes is also an absolute must-have for anyone planning to continue with long-distance running. A good pair of shoes gives you a better chance to achieve your goals, and they prevent running injuries from flaring up. You won’t improve if you’re on the sidelines because of a bum ankle you got from wearing the wrong shoes.
Start Slowly and Improve Gradually
If you were picking up golf for the first time, you wouldn’t want to go to the neighborhood course and tee off from the black tees on your first go-around. Similarly, you cannot expect to wake up one morning, roll out of bed, and be capable of running a 5K on a whim.
It might be tempting to strive to increase your distance significantly every time you take to the pavement. Nevertheless, doing so will put you at risk of injury and undermine your long-term running potential.
Replenish the Body
Many inexperienced runners assume they only need to replenish when thirsty. Yet, you lose a lot of fluids when you run, and you must refuel even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration is a silent assassin because its effects can show up without warning. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where your body yearns for water, and you don’t supply it with some.
Additionally, the goal for many new runners is to burn calories. While that’s all well and good, you must ensure you’re eating enough to compensate for your new training regimen. Michael Phelps infamously ate over 10,000 calories daily based on how much he was training for the Olympics. You’ll unlikely need that many calories for your body to heal properly, but you shouldn’t starve yourself either.
Treat Yourself
A little extra incentive to motivate you to reach your goals can’t go a long way toward improving as a runner. Additionally, these small goals should keep you from overextending yourself and experiencing an injury or burnout. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel makes everything worth it, so reward yourself however you see fit for a job well done.
Listening to your body is the most crucial aspect for a beginner to improve at long-distance running. If you’re on the mend, take a break and allow yourself time to recover. Overdoing it may cause some muscles to make up for the lack of production of your ailing ones, and that’s how pulls or tears happen. So always listen to what your body has to say.
