Running is one of the most common forms of exercise for people. Whether it’s for weight loss, or preparing for marathons, delving into the nuances of running shows it’s more complex than it seems.
It is to the point that small things like not breathing properly or not getting the right nutrients can result in you having a tougher time running or risk injury. And that’s all too common as even if you aren’t going for a spirited or long-distance jogging session, you can still end up hurt.
You’re likely reading this blog post today because you want to make sure you aren’t causing yourself injury without even realizing it. Take a look at the following eight common running mistakes you need to avoid as part of your overall fitness goals:
8 Common Running Mistakes
1. Wearing The Wrong Shoes
Did you know that one of the most common running mistakes new and experienced runners make is wearing the wrong shoes? As you can appreciate, you need the right running shoes or sneakers if you plan to run long distances.
The shoes you wear must support your feet, be comfortable to wear, and, of course, are the correct size. Never assume that an old pair of running shoes you wore several years ago are still perfect for your feet today.
Wearing the wrong running shoes can cause you pain and you may even need to use tape for plantar fasciitis developed in your feet due to too much stress on your heels.
2. Doing Too Much Running In One Session
Another common issue that people inflict upon themselves is attempting to do too much, too soon.
Whether you’re new to running or not, you must always stick within your body’s capabilities. For example, don’t try to run a marathon if you’ve never done any running in your life!
Instead, start with small, paced running sessions and gradually (and safely) build up how long you run. Doing so will ensure you’re unlikely to injure yourself or cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
3. Failing To Warm Up
When you do any form of exercise, not just running, you must always spend a few minutes doing some warm-up exercises. The point of warm-up sessions before any exercising is to get your body and muscles used to continued physical exertion.
What you do to warm-up before a running session is up to you; the things you do should be paced and within your physical capabilities. Warm-up for around five to ten minutes before you start running.
4. Having Bad Upper Body Form
You may not be aware that a person’s upper body form can affect their performance and efficiency whenever they go and do some running. For example, swinging your arms side-to-side could result in breathing difficulties.
That’s why it’s best to pay attention to your upper body form whenever you go out running. One of the best things you can do is keep your hands at waist level and your arms at a 90-degree angle to your waist, ensuring your elbows are at your sides.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
It’s no secret that dehydration causes all kinds of problems for the body. When you run, your body will use lots of fluid to ensure the safe and efficient operation of various bodily processes and organs.
It goes without saying that your body needs plenty of water to top up those fluid reserves. Make sure you drink some water immediately before you start running.
6. Wearing Unsuitable Clothing
A fashion faux-pas that many runners unwittingly commit is wearing the wrong attire for each running session! Some people might wear too many clothes for the weather conditions, while others may wear too little and risk exposing themselves to the elements too much.
Ensure you wear clothes made from polypropylene or silk, for instance, to help keep you dry and less sweaty as you run.
7. Not Breathing Properly
Did you know that one of the classic mistakes some runners make is breathing incorrectly as they run? For example, having shallow breathing as you run can cause you to end up with side stitches.
Make sure you are breathing through both your mouth and your nose as you run, and practice deep breathing from your chest to optimize your breathing before going for long runs.
8. Eating The Wrong Foods
Last but not least, running is a physical exercise, and to get the best out of it, you need to couple that exercise regime with a healthy eating plan.
The trouble is that some runners fuel their bodies with foods and beverages that are unhealthy and likely to cause long-term health conditions.
You must ensure you’re consuming healthy food and the right levels of proteins and nutrients to fuel your body correctly.