SIDESTEP THESE RUNNING MISTAKES

These 10 common boo-boos make running more tiring than ever.

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These 10 common boo-boos make running more tiring than ever. 

While running is energy-zapping, it shouldn’t leave you worn out all the time. Watch out for these common mistakes. 

1. Wearing Worn-out Shoes 

Proper footwear is something many of us take for granted. One of the most common mistakes is failing to realise that shoes will wear out based on how much you run in them, and not just how long you’ve owned them. Having said that, your build and the type of exercises you engage in matter too. The loss of cushioning plus wear and tear of the soles can make running more tedious or worse, lead to injuries. According to Dr Ben Tan, author of Run for Your Life!: the Complete Marathon Guide, you should change your shoes when they have covered around 800km, or every six to 12 months. 

2. Starting Off Too Quickly 

Pacing yourself is important, especially when it comes to long-distance running. It is tempting to go fast at the start of your run when your legs are fresh. But by doing so, you will burn out quickly and have barely enough energy to complete your last few kilometres. start your run at a slow and comfortable pace before picking up speed. You may need a couple of sessions to find the pace that suits you best. 

3. Adopting The Wrong Running Form

Pay attention to the way you swing your arms. They should be around waist level and bent at 90 degrees. swing your arms back and forth rather than side to side, while keeping your posture upright. It may be tempting to slouch when fatigue sets in, but that only will lead to tension in your neck, shoulders and back, making it even more dreadful to run. 

4. Losing Control When You Go Downhill 

Taking a breather at the downslope? It could be bad news for your knees and joints. People often have the tendency to lean forward too much and overstride when they are going downhill. The impact from overstriding places tremendous stress on your knees, hips and ankles. Try leaning forward just slightly and taking short and quick strides, keeping your pace as consistent as possible. 

5. Wearing The Wrong Clothes

Get comfortable in your running outfit by dressing for the weather. For singapore’s temperature, choose lightweight and breathable materials that are designed to wick moisture away from your body. A regular cotton tee will trap heat and sweat, which makes you feel uncomfortable. And when it comes to sports bras, 80 per cent of women are wearing the wrong size, says Dr Tan. As sizing varies across brands, it’s best to try on one size up and down your regular sizing, to be sure. The rule of thumb: You should be able to slide two fingers under each strap and one finger under the base band on each side. ensure that the bra isn’t wrinkled anywhere or cutting into your skin. Hop around on the spot to make sure you feel supported - the bra shouldn’t ride up or twist around. 

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6. Skipping Rest Days 

More isn’t necessarily better when it comes to running. If you’ve signed up for multiple races and make yourself train every day, that may drain you and impede your progress. You may also find your interest in running start to wane. suddenly, running becomes a chore. Your body requires ample rest to perform better. Give it time to recover to prevent common overuse running injuries like shin splints. A general guideline for beginners is to start running thrice a week. More seasoned runners can run five to six times a week. On non-running days, consider doing low-impact cross- training exercises such as swimming or cycling. Alternatively, hit the gym for some resistance training and core strengthening. 

7. Eating Too Little Or Too Much 

What you eat before and after your run can have a huge impact on your performance and recovery. You need fuel to keep your legs moving, so it’s not a good idea to run on an empty stomach. But running before your food has completely digested may cause you to feel sluggish. It’s best to have a balanced meal containing carbs, protein and healthy fats three to four hours before a run. A quick recovery snack post-run is also important to replenish your energy levels and facilitate muscle repair and recovery. 

8. Sitting Down Right After Running 

Don’t forget to cool down properly after your run. You can also engage in foam rolling exercises to ease the tension in your muscles for quicker recovery. Many of us are guilty of plonking ourselves down on a chair after a long run. This will cause your muscles to stiffen, and you may find your legs aching for days after, hindering your performance at the next run. 

9. Listening To An Ineffective Playlist 

Yes, your choice of music matters when it comes to your runs. A study by the British Association of sport and exercise sciences suggests that music with motivational qualities can improve physical and psychological performance by 15 per cent. Music is also able to reduce your perception of fatigue, and stimulate better performance. If your tunes aren’t spurring you on, it’s time to find a new playlist. 

10. Failing To Switch Things Up 

Running can be extremely tiring if you aren’t enjoying yourself. Alternate between different types of runs like slow, recovery runs and fartleks to ensure your training is varied and stays exciting. Another great way to make running less dreary is to find new trails to explore. You can even ask a buddy along! Running will feel much more effortless when you are having a good time. 

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