Hitting the pavement for some good heart-pumping exercise, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, can be very exhilarating. But, even the fittest of athletes can have a slip up in their running routine, and may even find that they are struggling when trying to hit a particular distance, mile time, or sticking to a schedule.
Although there are many different factors that combine to enable to you have your best running experience, there are certain running habits that you can incorporate into your routine as a successful runner in order to be the best you can be. So, let’s look at six ways to make running a habit that can help boost your running routine!
Running Habit #1: Cross-Training
When it comes to good running habits, we know you’ve got the cardio part down. Especially if you’re finding that your running schedule has you out on the road or trail three or more days during the week. However, if you’re needing to fit more aerobic training days into your schedule, you can most certainly get your heart pump inside with swimming, rowing, or biking. All of which will help to improve your cardiovascular endurance, and will help make you a more well-rounded runner when you’re finally out on the road. You can even play around with different routines on a treadmill, especially if it’s a rainy training day!
Running Habit #2: Recover Appropriately
In order to make running a habit, you need to be comfortable with logging several miles on (what could be) some very tight leg muscles. With that being said, being able to rest and recover appropriately when you’re not on the road is important. You never want to end up running through pain or injury, so listen to your body and know when it’s time to take a recovery day. This can help your muscles recover correctly so you form good running form and posture. That doesn’t mean you have to be sedentary all day though – you can still aim for a recovery walk on the treadmill, or move through some mobility and flexibility stretches.
Running Habit #3: Eat Whole Foods
Granted, this might seem like a no-brainer when it comes to establishing some good running habits; however, studies have shown that even eating out twice a week can add a quarter pound of fat every year, and those extra pounds can add up to slow you down on your runs. Cooking at home with whole, nutrient-dense foods can allow you to skip over excess sugars and fats. Cooking at home also lets you control what you consume in order to stay on the path towards a healthy lifestyle and making running a habit!
Running Habit #4: Run with A Group
Studies have shown us time and time again that hitting the pavement with others is an excellent way to make running a habit! Consistency is key with this; not only will running with others help to keep you accountable, but it can also help you stay motivated and even push past any running boundaries that you may have. Find some local people that are also trying to incorporate good running habits, so that you can encourage one another!
Running Habit #5: Get Your Zzz’s
We all know that sleep plays a huge part in not only muscle recovery but overall health as well. If you’re not getting the appropriate amount of shut-eye each night, your body won’t be able to repair and replenish itself as well as it could. This can lead to heart disease, injuries, and an increase in weight, just to name a few health risks. A good running habit to incorporate (in regards to rest) includes anywhere from 6-9 hours of sleep each night. So, unplug when you need to, and try and set a consistent bedtime routine for yourself.
Running Habit #6: Lift Weights
This running habit can almost fall into the same category as cross-training; however, adding resistance training to your repertoire of good running habits can add some maximum benefit to your runs! Not only has lifting weights been shown to help prevent injury to muscles, but it can also help boost your power output and coordination. You can use your own body weight (think pushups and squats) or build-up to using free weights. Either way, resistance training is a healthy habit to add to your routine!
Whether you’re in the process of making running a habit, or you’re trying to change some negative behaviors into good running habits, these helpful tips and tricks can be added into your daily routine to aid in getting you on the right track. Running habits like these might take some time to get used to, but once you can incorporate some healthy lifestyle habits in addition to your daily miles, you will find yourself turning into a better runner…and maybe even making running into a fantastic habit!
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