5 Ways to Build Your Running Fitness

Running season is heating up as the weather starts to cool down, so there’s no better time to hit the tracks, road or the treadmill. As you put time and energy into your training routine, here are 5 ways you can incorporate a running mindset and lifestyle into everyday life, so that you can perform your very best on training or even race day.

Rise to the occasion

Whether it’s a 5k fun run or the more challenging 10k , keep yourself motivated and training hard in the weeks leading up to the event. Create a flexible schedule with the help of a running app or a workout buddy and rack up the miles with each session. Mix up your regular running route and challenge yourself to a different terrain as you put your running technique to the test. These sessions will be mentally and physically beneficial, so you can tackle race day head on.

Set the pace

As you stay motivated and inspired to run, keep check of the pace you’re training at to keep your running goals on track. This trick of the trade prevents you from being overzealous so you don’t burnout or overexert yourself; additionally you’ll fall into a familiar groove, which is perfect when the big race comes around. Remember, preparing for the race shouldn’t focus solely on running; practice other sports to build your stamina in different ways.

Practice breathing techniques

Practicing breathing techniques while you train or power walk is essential to staying in the game for long periods of time. Breathing through your nose and out through your mouth is the best way to feed your muscles with oxygen. Breathe deeply to push air into the back and sides of the lungs and exhale through pursed lips for a more powerful exhalation to give you control over your breathing technique.

Follow a nutrition plan

Eating healthily is undoubtedly a lifelong habit but more so with a big race around the corner. Keep track of your eating habits, particularly when dining out, and make a conscious effort to include a mix of all food groups, with a focus on lean meats and good carbohydrates to give you the energy you need – particularly sweet potatoes and wheat bread, protein-packed eggs, salmon, quinoa and chicken. Keep your cheat days short, fuel up lightly before a training session and eat healthily afterwards, so you can bounce back easily, run for longer and keep the pace throughout your run.

Stick to the tried-and-tested

Whether you’re breaking in a new pair of running shoes or sticking to your trusty pair, prepare for the upcoming race by training and getting comfortable in your running get-up; this will keep you at ease and prevent blisters and chafing so you can focus on the distance. You can ensure that you have the right running shoes by taking the Flex test – to find out if you’re high-arched, flat-footed or neutral, so you can tackle the distance in comfort.

Now that you know how to prepare for your next race, you will need to kit yourself out with all the right gear. Take a look at our Running page to see all the latest products from Sun & Sand Sports.