Don’t Fall for These 5 Common Running Mistakes

Running or jogging is perhaps one of the most popular exercise routines today. Developing your running into a regular exercise routine can be a rewarding journey. At the start, every new runner experiences various emotions as they go through the first weeks of their new sport. Excitement and a sense of accomplishment, setting goals and feeling the need to pick up the pace are some emotions experienced by many beginners. At this point, some runners tend to make some common mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid these mistakes, run better and stay healthy.

Wearing the wrong shoes

One of the reasons why jogging and running are so popular is that you don’t need a lot of things to start. Most importantly, what you do need is a pair of good reliable running shoes that would suit, not only the size of your feet but the type of pronation your foot executes when you run or walk, and the track that you are going to be jogging on.

There are three types of pronation: neutral, supination, and over pronation. If you are flat-footed, then you are likely to overpronate and if your foot has a high-arch then you will likely supinate. If none of those two fit the description, then you probably have a neutral pronation which is ideal to walking or running. The McKinley Health Centre (US) recommends that you try on shoes in the afternoon or evening, as your feet are largest at these times. Having the right type of shoe helps reduce the risk of injury, discomfort and would improve your performance as you jog.

Not having enough rest days

The problem with getting in the jogging or running bandwagon is that people get a little bit too hyped up with their next run that they forget to rest in between. While jogging, your body undergoes a lot of stress to burn those calories and improve your stamina. Having enough rest is necessary to enable your body to heal and catch up to your routine. On top of that, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep would definitely help you recuperate and prepare you for your next run. Rehydrating yourself is also equally important, both when running and on rest days.

Speeding up too soon

Something every first-time runner is guilty of, speeding up too soon is something that you should avoid at all cost. While we all want to improve how fast we jog or run, do take it one step at a time. According to legendary runner and coach Arthur Lydiard, runners should keep at 10% to 15% their weekly mileage and should always start slow to avoid injury. Speed could improve the way you run and provide better coverage, provided that you take it slowly and work your way up.

Relying too much on your equipment

With all the hype about GPS, heart-rate monitors, new shoes and apparel, hydration pack, and all sorts of other stuff on your fanny packs, don’t make jogging an excuse to show off your new fitness fads. Jogging and running are a simple sport, every piece of equipment you carry makes it more complicated than it should be.

 When you have too much on you while you run, you tend to rely too much on your equipment instead of living the moment. We understand that these tools are awesome and would help you on the long run but don’t stop to bend over or slow down every 30 seconds to look at your GPS or your heart rate monitors. When you run, try not to carry a lot of equipment and just carry the basics with you.  

Giving up

Don’t. You may have committed all these blunders but it is an even bigger mistake if you give up. Don’t let stress, procrastination, and early disappointment hinder your progress. When you run, prepare to push the limits and never give up!

Running is a deep-seated human impulse which enabled us to survive. Today, running is more than just a fight or flight instinct; it has become a popular form of exercise, where some also take this as a time out to clear their mind and think. When you jog or run, always wear the right pair of shoes (comfort is key!) and take the right amount of rest your body needs. Iprice recommends that you look through the various choices of running shoes to find the pair that best suits your needs. In addition, don’t pick up the pace too quickly nor bring along too many gadgets when you jog. Running is a simple and healthy fitness routine, something to be enjoyed and help balance your lifestyle.