5 Things A Smart Runner Does

Running is great, but are you running the smart way? A smart runner knows that in order to truly enjoy and benefit from the run, there are certain things to do and not do.

How To Be A Smart Runner

Stretch the right way:

When most people stretch before they run, they hold a muscle in a fixed position for about 30 seconds. Studies have shown that this is in fact wrong. This kind of stretching (known as static stretching) should only be done after your run. A smart runner does dynamic stretches before a run; which is basically controlled leg movements that improve range of motion, loosens up muscles and increases heart rate, body temperature, and blood flow.

Run early in the morning:

Some of you already know this. It’s always better to run early in the morning, before life gets in the way. If you put it off until afternoon, you may not get the chance. If you wait until evening, you may be too tired from the day’s activities and not do as much as you would have. Running early in the morning allows you achieve the most because of the burst of energy you wake up with.

Prepare your running clothes the night before:

As we’ve already agreed it’s best to run in the morning, the next thing a smart runner does is set out running clothes the night before. There are actually some people who sleep in their workout clothes so they’re ready to go as soon as they wake up. This saves a lot of time looking for what to wear and spares you the mental preparation you have to go through when you wake up.

Take walking breaks during your run:

Yes, you can run hundreds of miles at a stretch, but is it really god for you? A smart runner knows to break up runs with brisk walking breaks. This is great for your joints, and also helps with endurance – so you don’t tire out too quickly.

Make your run fun:

It’s easy to get tired when you’re just running for the sake of it. Sometimes, in addition to personal goals we’ve set, a smart runner needs a little extra motivation to get through the run. You can add a little fun to your run by selecting the right playlist, getting temporary tattos with motivational messages, and/or making up a game as you run.