My Top 5 Ways To Move Into Another Motivating Running Year

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.

So here are my 5 practical tips and tricks to make the most of your running sessions too.

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.

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 … ;)

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.

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