Because with Royal Bay socks is always more FUN! 😉
Happy Tuesday, friends! It seems that April is off to a FANTASTIC start –
racing again, running faster and more efficient, moving into another motivating (hopefully, successful too) running year. Yay!
Although I initially thought of my running break (almost 8 weeks) in the negative sense, it actually turned out to be the FORCE I needed so much to move me on to the next level.
Tell you the truth, I only recently realized that this long-ish break from running didn’t just encourage me to try out new things – take for instance my Cycling 4-hour Marathon (the one I did it with the damn cast on) on February 21 (pic below), or change my running routine (I’ll get there too), it made me be a better runner.
Miro – a badass runner 😉
So here are my 5 practical tips and tricks to make the most of your running sessions too.
Picture taken on the 10K race, last Saturday in Düsseldorf
1. Go shorter and faster, at least once a week
I used to believe that running the same distance almost every single time is a big deal and would help me become a faster runner.
Well, I was wrong! I wish I knew that when I started running.
Challenging myself to run faster for shorter distances at least once a week (I sometimes do it even twice a week) seems to help me stay focus on speed and even got me out of a running rut. AND I’m sending all my love to Running Team Grafenberg for that.
Placed #2 in my age group with 00:47:08 (my new PB)
Thank you Diego for sticking with me and pushing me to the very end.
2. Build strength
I know, I know, we runners love to just focus on miles, but let me remind you (I am sure you heard/read about dozen of times) that by adding total-body strengthening to your running routine can and will drastically improve your running efficiency.
You don’t have to be twice a week at a gym for that, following a workout on youtube, or doing some runner’s strength sessions home like squats, push ups, lunges, planks goes a long way in keeping you fit, strong and running injury-free.
3. Socialize and RACE
It’s SO unbelievable how much social exercise not only will inspire you to run longer, but you’ll also push harder. Not to mention, how FUN all the races are.
Don’t believe me?! Then see for yourself … 😉
Jessica from Running Team Grafenberg
Diego pacing again his friend Geronimo for 21km
Just because with Running Team Grafenberg is so much more FUN! 😉
4. Take your runs off the asphalt once in a while
I seriously thought I’d died and gone to heaven after I ran my first trail. Besides the fact that you build up strength and grit, trail running done with friends can shine a light on new talents.
Just try it and let me know.
Fantastic Trail Run with João & Sachin last Sunday in Wuppertal (Elevation 785m)
João & Sachin flying 😉 It was really FUN!
Another Fantastic Trail Run in Wermelskirchen
Trail Run in Wermelskirchen with my friend, Miruna
5. Keep it FUN and go old-school
Back in the day, when you couldn’t show off your weekly mileage goals on Strava or Runkeeper, I bet you were also simply running for fun. Am I right??? 🙂
So what can be done, you ask? Unwind and learn to reconnect with yourself at least once a week. Ah, and that means to leave all your devices home and ‘RUN NAKED’.
In the meanwhile I’ll keep you updated on my journey and hopefully I’ll get your butt out the door too.
TO BE CONTINUED …
Stay healthy & be happy!
Xoxo Cris
1. Despite how much I hate it, intervals definitely helps build speed and turnover. But it doesn’t make it suck any less!
2. Strength training is great for running, not to mention looking tone and not runner skinny.
3. Misery loves company, so the longer the run means more encouraging to do for other runners. Picks them up and does wonders for your own motivation.
4. You have a great advantage there in Germany, but the canals here in Italy can serve a similar purpose, just not as secluded.
5. Run Naked???? Hmmmm, need company?
1. I still kind of hate intervals, but I love the results.
5. LOL! 😉
Good to hear that you’ve recovered from your injury and you’re up and running (literally speaking) again. You really make running seem to be a lot of fun:)