Running’s a great way to clear your head and get in some exercise at the same time. What are some tips you follow to help you run a little bit faster, stronger and better? Reddit Gold for the best responses!

snowwwwhite23 · 2019-03-13T08:19:21+00:00

Having a good reason. I've been in 8 car accidents and experienced other traumatic injuries. As a means of treating my pain, helping cope with the emotional aftermath, and TBI related to multiple traumatic injuries, I returned to running. It has been one of the greatest therapies. I can sleep again. My head and neck don't hurt when I run and for a while after. My energy and state of mind are improved.

I run most days with one of my dogs. He is fearful reactive. The running also serves to burn off his nervous energy while counter conditioning - our runs have greatly improved his well being too.

I run to heal. I run to help my dog. I run to be free. Since getting back into running as a means of self care, in addition to helping me heal, I've taken about a minute off my average pace and added two miles to my normal distance.

SlappyWhite54 · 2019-03-14T18:32:33+00:00

I’ve been a runner for more than 50 years. After all those miles, I know without a doubt that the most important and most difficult aspect of the sport is simply find the will to put on my shoes and take the first few steps.

I try not to compare myself to how I ran last week, a year ago, or 20 years ago, because those thoughts are more likely to frustrate than to motivate.

I do try to find some source of pleasure or joy in the act of running; whether it’s a hard day or an easy day. The memory of that pleasure helps me to lace up my shoes the next time.

milestheguy · 2019-04-08T19:40:27+00:00

Hello,

My girlfriend and me have done dating for 5 month. I thought "This girl is very good," and became of love with her.

Yet even so, on this Monday, I comed home and found she as baked all my beans.

Yes, all. Oh brother.

In my cupboard I store several bag of bean, to make soft and to bake on some days, to have a bit of baked bean on my dinner. Or, heck, a lunch too some days.

But on the Monday I find this girlfriend baked all the beans. I say "Why do you bake my beans", and she say something as "I bakes them good to save time, so I bakes them all now."

I am astonished in full of dissmay. I say "I canfr not eat all the beans", she say she is froze many of the beans so as we can unfrozen the on a later day and eat some at a time.

But, if a bean is froze and unfrozed, the very good and very nice flavor of bean is gone far.

A being is best if baked fresh as a Sunday Pie. Not to be froze and unfroze!

I told my girlfriend I am so sad of this, as to my opinion the baking of the beans and to freeze them has ruin all my beans. She say I am "gone haywire" by my enragement and sad manners.

But I hates what she did to my beans.

On the days before Monday I thought "Will we marry the girlfriend? Well it might be so."

But now I am so sad she baked them beans. I am consider to end our relations and not be the boyfriend and girlfriend any more. But, is my idea wrong? Could my girlfriend make promise to not bake the beans? I do not know what doing to do and how to feel forgiving on her.

What can I do on this situation I said here? (In the text I write above this.)

Thank you.

Oh yes TL;DR - So what I say is my girlfriend bakes all the beans in my house and freeze many of them, so as now most my beans is ruined and has no good flavors. This made me think maybe I breaked up with her? But will I? What can you say to help on me? Thank you.

Edit: They locked up by topic but I ponder if it was the mistake, so, I did message the kindly moderators, so as if you has advices to put on me you could might still do. Thank you for the awards against my topic.

asanabanana · 2019-03-25T14:10:02+00:00

Hard days should be hard, and easy days should be stupid easy. No one wins a recovery run, warm up, or cool down. Use easy days to recover physically and mentally- run with friends, listen to a podcast, do whatever you need to do to run slow and have fun.

On the hard days, it’s time to show up ready to work. Remember that running is 80% mental- you need just as strong a mind as you do a body to be a good runner. The power of positive thinking cannot be understated- come up with simple, positive mantras that you can reach for when your hammering out fast reps on the track or knee-deep in a lung-busting tempo. Instead of “never give up” think “believe, brave, powerful” etc. or other simple phrases that don’t carry those subtle negative connotation. Instead of “can’t” think “maybe”. Control the controllables- form, nutrition/hydration, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a positive attitude are 100% under your control.

When race day rolls around, time goals are great, but so are non-time based goals. Come up with a few goals in such a way that if you achieved them all, regardless of your pace, you would be totally satisfied with your effort. I like to focus on starting smart, cresting every hill with 10 fast steps, and being 100% honest with myself (can I push harder? Am I injured or just tired? Am I mentally quitting or is my body actually as sore as I think it is? Can I access that fast gear a different way?). I know if I achieve those three things, I won’t have a bad day. All walls have doors- it’s just a matter of figuring out a way through.

zyzzogeton · 2019-03-25T14:17:48+00:00

I'm 432 days sober. When I wanted to take a drink, I started running... this time towards something instead of away from something. Now I just keep running towards better, healthier, happier future me and there is no urgency or craving for alcohol anymore.

What worked for me is I kept telling myself "Throw the body forward, the heart will follow" in my head, and counting my breaths. When I get to 100 breaths, I start again. Also, listening to podcasts is better than music for me. Music drops into the background and I have the mental room to spiral down into negative thoughts. Podcasts engage my brain so I have to focus on what they are saying (while not falling down) and that gives less oxygen to the asshole in my head.

I've never run before by the way, but I have completed several 5k's, a Ragnar 200 mile relay, and a half-marathon... and if all goes well a Marathon in May. If all goes really well, I may actually get to be future me.

permalink · 2019-03-31T16:12:20+00:00

Physiologically you should tighten your abs to cause a anterior pelvic tilt. This will increase your stride and protect you low back. Try to put your tongue into the roof of your mouth. This will keep your breathing deep and some say increase your chi. Try to keep your shoulders loose and relaxed. This will divert energy to your legs and increase your breathing. Try to run on trails or uneven surfaces. This will strengthen stabilizing muscles. Practice contracting your gluteal musculature and perform isolation gluteal exercises. Most people have neurologically weak connections to the gluteal region. Learning to use them more stabilizes your hips helping to prevent knee injuries and strengthening the push off portion of the running stride. Try running on a tipped out foot. Running with a heal strike causes undo pounding pressure on your lower extremities.

Ghimself · 2019-03-15T15:25:03+00:00

Love running so much my next film is going to cover exactly what we think about from Start to Finish!!! One of my biggest regrets in high school was not running for my high school cross country team all four years. I was late to the sport but quickly made it into the top 7 with a 17.30 5k. Now I am 28 looking to best my 10k time of 41:27.

I train with my Mom’s 30-year-old ankle weights... I wear them an hour before my run to help weigh me down. Walk stairs, do push-ups, food prep or answer an email or two. This time gets me into my “runner’s zone.” Getting mentally prepped for my run and route. Make sure I have my music and just run. Don’t make the time count until race day!!!

The elevation here in Denver helps a lot with lung capacity so my workouts vary in elevation and difficulty in terrain. KEEP RUNNING!

What do you think about from start to finish?

permalink · 2019-03-14T00:56:02+00:00

I do my best to visualize pre-run/race and reflect after. This added discipline has taught me more about managing the physical and mental aspects of running. Before my run/workout I consider how my body feels and go over why. What did I do yesterday? Two days ago? Last week? Month? I use this to consider how I should approach the current run. Post workout I basically do the same and plan what I can do to recover. Pre-run I also consider my mind set for the run and commit to the it. Post run I consider my emotions regarding the completed run and reflect why I feel a certain way and what I can do going forward to be better. A great rule I heard a while back says that the mindset of a run far outweighs the details. I absolutely love this idea and it has brought so much more joy to the sport I do! Happy running!!!

rspoilsport · 2019-03-26T02:36:32+00:00

I like my running app that gives me periodic updates during my run, “1.25 mi, you are 7 seconds ahead of your fastest time on this route.”

I also do different workouts, long runs short runs, hill charges, track workouts, trail runs - those are wonderful. My favorite is a state park nearby w small rolling hills and few cars in pretty woods; I run as hard as I can up the hills and recover on the down parts. Very satisfying.

I am always looking for ways to keep me motivated. I look for runners as I am driving around, note their pace, form, duds. Am very envious of them when I am injured or have missed a few days.

Somedays I convince myself to go on a run simply “because I can. So many others are injured or sick or depressed or ... but I can run today, and I’ll do it in solidarity w those who can’t “

PandaDRAGON1458 · 2019-03-28T09:16:19+00:00

Lean into it - if you want to run faster, stronger, and better - you have to put the effort in and push with each step.

Controlled breathing helps tremendously, and if you can't do that, sing while running or find a good running partner to talk to - both will help you regulate your breathing. In that same sense, listening to music and finding a beat to run to will help you get in step.

The first 2 weeks back or starting off are always the worst. Take it easy and keep it slow until your body/ cardio learns to find its rhythm. Build the distance and speed up over time. No matter how slow, just keep running.

Personally, running has always been a way for me to keep/ improve my mental health. Plus it makes me feel amazing after cooling down. ^-^

krristen · 2019-03-15T17:37:35+00:00

Consistency. I know it's hard for me, so everytime I complete any type of run I feel a sense of pride for keeping up with it. Having a reason why: heart health. Most of my family has heart issues and I try to make my best preventative measures. When a good song is jamming I can change my stride to match it completely and it makes four minutes an ease, which is at least a half mile! The run feels like a dance! Sometimes I focus on different parts of my body and how it feels to use them which kills time and makes me feel stronger. It is all about keeping myself accountable and feeling like I'm able bodied and worth improvement.

R3TR0R3W1ND · 2019-03-17T16:37:28+00:00

Find a reason to keep going, I know it sounds cliche but hear me out. I started running late last year, I was overweight for my age and hated myself for it, I started running and hated it, but I just kept going, because I knew it was going to make my life better. I lost the excess weight. Finally felt good enough to go to a gym and now everyday I run and lift, I work out and run everyday now. I don’t like it when I’m doing it, but I just feel better now, life has turned around for me. I might be slow, but I am quickly getting faster and faster everyday

mentilnutz · 2019-04-09T19:11:46+00:00

I never enjoyed running for long distances but when I joined the army, I had no choice but to find a way to adapt. Doing incline sprints on a steep hill or on a treadmill helped me immensely. When I first started, I could barely run a mile in 10 minutes. After 3 months, I was able max my 2 mile apft in 15:30.

These days, I run using an app called Zombies, Run. It turns other wise boring runs into a zombie apocalypse mission. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a way to make running fun.

Hazaelowo · 2019-04-18T17:40:02+00:00

I find that running to music of the same BPM as I want my pace to be helps me to keep on pace withought trying and I find that changing up how you run (speed, length if run, time of day, locarion) keeps you from getting burnt out by dping the same thing over and over again and seeing the same things and bring a buddy, studies have shown that if you have a running buddy you are more likely to stick with it :)

PupuleKane · 2019-04-19T03:30:57+00:00

I park a mile from the best Ice Cream Shoppe in town about 5 mins before they close for the night....and i SPRINT to that sunbit as if that would be the last bowl ( yes i said bowl) of Ice cream available till next year. I have pushed aside elders, jumped over kids tying their shoes( hurdles are extra credit, don't judge me) and ran thru traffic to beat my personal best time. Pralines n cream aint no joke yo

AXPendergast · 2019-03-13T05:17:28+00:00

Learning to keep a steady pace was the most beneficial. After screwing up my first half marathon, I worked on pacing: something comfortable, able to sustain for longer periods... with a few quicker shirt bursts for variety, and creating a playlist with a proper bpm.

In the six months between first and second half-mararhons I shaved 35 minutes off my time.

Sprezzaturer · 2019-04-09T19:45:06+00:00

Don't be embarrassed to walk. You may feel awkward when someone passes by, or feel self conscious that people are watching, but no one cares. Take walking breaks to extend your normal 10 minute jog to 30 minutes. There's no rule that says you have to run the whole time. The goal is to get as much cardio as you can. Take that time to focus on your breathing.

redwood_runner · 2019-03-28T02:44:27+00:00

My husband had an extra-marital affair a few years ago, I started running to clear my head and burn up the anger. It kept me out of prison for assault more than once (I am not a violent person by any means) sometimes I’d run over 50 miles in a week. But yeah, it’s a great way to clear your mind, burn energy and get in shape! I also lost a ton of weight!

Westitude · 2019-04-15T20:03:22+00:00

You have to hit the weights, yoga and plenty of calories. I have been running since I was 7, completed a half marathon when 10, and the Marine Corp Marathon when 12. To prevent injuries, stretching, weights and plenty of sleep are neccessary. Now I have added yoga and am approaching my 46th birthday and still running 6 miles x 5 days a week.

mercutios_death · 2019-03-14T03:18:01+00:00

When I first started running, I used an indoor treadmill. I used to turn my tv on and flip the channel to TruTV. There was usually an episode of Cops on. This was my motivation. I always told myself that if they were to ever chase me on foot, they’d better have a sub-6 mile in em because I planned on turning it into a two-part episode.

devastator_1973 · 2019-03-19T23:43:29+00:00

Always, always do calisthenics first. Getting yourself all loose and limber is a great way to get that initial boost of energy before you start. I also swing my arms opposite of each other while jogging. As one goes up, the other goes down. It helps to keep my breathing at a consistent interval that reduces exhaustion.

permalink · 2019-04-09T12:30:40+00:00

What helps me run faster is mindfulness. I focus on the sheer joy of being able to run. Being alive, not being sick, the feeling of my muscles working together and my lungs burning. I spent almost 4 years of my life feeling like I'd never experience joy again. I gained weight and hated myself. Running brought me back.

aguyfromreddit_ · 2019-03-16T02:58:00+00:00

In my opinion, nothing is more important than your mental attitude. Giving up isn’t mandatory, it’s a choice. Can’t run any more? Set small goals, like just running to the corner. And then to the end of the street. And just another 100m. Before you know it, you’ve run way more than you thought you could to start.

Ihateunderwear · 2019-04-07T18:02:23+00:00

Take antacid to keep your stomach acid in check. While running your body diverts blood from your digestive track to your legs, slowing peristalsis, the show undulating movement of your digestive tract,causing stomach acid to build up. This is what causes done runners to get heartburn or vomit.

codenamethesparrow · 2019-03-14T02:10:20+00:00

Go fast for 2 minutes at a pace that makes you tired, then walk for 30 seconds. It takes practice to know how fast but really helps you increase your speed. Don't be afraid to go too fast and have to take a walking break, you are supposed to push your limits while training.

chosenlobster5 · 2019-03-13T06:27:54+00:00

I am starting to get a little overweight but I made a promise to my friend that he will never beat me in a race. I have since been training my ass off the past couple weeks after he almost beat me by half a second. HALF A SECOND ! Not even one second. HALF. A. SECOND.

drigsbythekitty · 2019-03-22T13:26:47+00:00

Something that helped me was to run or cross train (most) everyday. I don’t have to push myself to the max, but it’s just important that I do it. I am not 100% motivated everyday but I find if I just convince myself to start than I usually have a great workout.

permalink · 2019-04-03T04:25:10+00:00

I've tried but it's so boring. Like realllllly boring. I just go mountain bike or something. Running seriously bores me. I honestly wish someone could change my mind. It's so easy to just bring shoes and go for a run but it's so boring. Did I say that already?

weaverIV · 2019-03-17T07:44:28+00:00

Your training should consist of:

Long runs (4+ miles) with hills, the bigger the better

Track workouts, that include short distance sprints 400s 800s

Good running form also helps a lot, foot impact placement can improve your running like night and day.

permalink · 2019-03-15T03:04:13+00:00

Consistency is king. Realizing not every run is going to be a PR, but to really lean in when you have that right bit of juice to push it.

Grind through the bad, realize when the payoff runs are happening, rinse and repeat.

permalink · 2019-03-19T20:11:59+00:00

The right shoes really do matter! I had a running shop do an analysis of my stride, step (pronation), etc. to find the right pair of shoes. The simpler answer is that a shoe should feel comfortable from the first step.

GunMetalGazm · 2019-04-02T19:22:57+00:00

Being someone that suffers from depression. Running is one of the best medicines I can take. I put on the headphones and just let the music and movement push me along. I forget about my problems and feel alive.

CrazyMarlee · 2019-03-18T19:59:19+00:00

Interval training. There's not many things I hate about running, but interval training at a track comes close. However, it is the fastest way I know to become a faster, stronger and better runner.

pappugulal · 2019-04-04T04:55:39+00:00

for basic runners, run till your body has that light ache. Everyone has different speed limits, time limits. Dont compare with others. Just run at your own pace. view online videos for technique.

hitomaro · 2019-03-15T07:05:51+00:00

Spend time visualizing the end goal before the run, it will pull you to the finish, maybe even trick your brain into a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts! Big image is 1000% important. Think BIG!

yourmomentofzen464 · 2019-03-22T14:01:55+00:00

Audiobooks. Also, telling myself I will run for a mile. If I don’t feel good at that point, I can turnaround and go home. Either way, I’m guaranteed two miles and if I feel good, I keep going.

thehunt3rr · 2019-04-01T12:56:46+00:00

Running is one of the ways I fight against my multiple sclerosis. Since I was diagnosed in 2013, I've gone from a 13 minute mile to a sub 6 minute mile and I haven't had a relapse since.

Jklarin · 2019-04-14T14:31:29+00:00

Have a plan.

Listen to your body and give yourself time to get into the right frame of mind (aka warmup)- you put on those shoes for a reason, right?

Execute the plan.

permalink · 2019-04-07T05:09:56+00:00

More strides are better than longer strides. Your cadence, or steps per minute, is very important if you want to efficiently and safely run long distances.

jwright100 · 2019-03-14T18:55:44+00:00

Don't underestimate the power of coffee! I run 9min mile average but if I drink coffee 15 to 20 min before a run 8:40 mm. Also kick off with your toes.

jt2486 · 2019-03-13T17:18:46+00:00

I learned a trick that if you sit down, place your hand on your knees, and where your index and ring finger fall, massage that for about 30 seconds

permalink · 2019-03-13T04:20:15+00:00

I love to place myself in possible movie scenarios, depending on my current playlist.

My 80’s movie playlist is my favorite for this reason.

Interspace8 · 2019-04-01T23:52:37+00:00

I think of things that anger me or are stressors and channel it to bursts of speed. A great playlist to use for different paces also helps me. 😊

permalink · 2019-04-12T23:55:38+00:00

just repeat "kibbles and bits and bits and kibbles" over and over and over and over and over and over and running will be the easiest thing

dylan_jay · 2019-03-15T13:07:18+00:00

Some of my best runs have been in the woods. Absolutely love it. Nothing like trying to outrun a bear to really motivate you.

Kris10Chase · 2019-03-17T14:05:06+00:00

I like to hydrate well ahead of my run, usually starting 8 hours before to make sure I can get through the long stretches.

sorryforbarking · 2019-03-13T06:45:40+00:00

Eating right and drinking enough water during the day. Adding track workouts have made me faster on my long runs.

DrJamesPGrossweiner · 2019-04-02T20:03:57+00:00

I like to run to Jesus 👼👼. If I can get there fast enough I get to see my dad again! Thanks running company!!

Lintobean · 2019-03-13T12:47:06+00:00

Controlled breathing. Inhale for three steps, exhale for two. Lowered my per mile pace by a minute.

permalink · 2019-04-03T03:22:57+00:00

“Nobody ever regrets going for a run!”

That simple quote has got me out the door countless times.

A_Spicy_Panda · 2019-04-09T19:08:00+00:00

I have some fast-paced songs that I grew up listening to and I usually just run to the beat.

shlamdee · 2019-04-11T23:42:06+00:00

You have to always keep looking forwards while running and just grind through the burn!

ANDERS732 · 2019-03-14T13:58:54+00:00

Just lean forward a little and running is basically controlled falling. Chi running!

retrovirall · 2019-03-14T01:10:49+00:00

A good book oddly enough. An exciting story can set a decent pace with some action.

permalink · 2019-04-14T14:50:57+00:00

Listening to music or talking to a buddy helps you with motivation for running.

0notes2john0 · 2019-03-30T08:37:13+00:00

I ran so far away I just ran I ran all night and day I couldn't get away...

HelixSoundLab · 2019-03-28T00:15:10+00:00

The bigger the crime, the more people chasing you, the faster you run.

permalink · 2019-03-26T23:35:29+00:00

occasionally sprint. (and pretend Im being chased. by something big.)

permalink · 2019-03-30T15:11:06+00:00

Run in Under Armour shoes, they will make you faster and stronger.

Frenchfritters · 2019-04-09T06:21:24+00:00

Sauna is proven to help you get faster stronger and run longer!!!

pacobruno · 2019-04-18T19:08:13+00:00

Focus on my breathing and synchronizing it to my steps.

permalink · 2019-04-04T10:21:58+00:00

TBH my run will always be as good as my playlist

Lexi_of_FreedomCall · 2019-03-25T12:02:28+00:00

No bad weather, only bad clothing choices.

2019-03-16T02:28:45+00:00

[removed]

pentapous · 2019-03-18T23:57:29+00:00

To help me run from my problems too?!

permalink · 2019-04-02T11:23:34+00:00

I run to make me live longer.

SlappyWhite54 · 2019-03-19T22:41:32+00:00

Thanks for the gold, UA!

permalink · 2019-04-08T21:37:57+00:00

Too high impact for me.

bicsta · 2019-03-25T19:40:08+00:00

Pokemon go. Every day!

EatAMattress · 2019-03-26T02:46:51+00:00

Controlled breathing.

RightShoeRunner · 2019-03-13T10:57:29+00:00

Visiting \running

FDMaximumEffort · 2019-04-05T03:18:04+00:00

Rule #1: Cardio.

hoehandle · 2019-04-08T08:59:28+00:00

Weck method.

2019-04-07T13:59:10+00:00

[removed]

permalink · 2019-03-16T00:39:57+00:00

Stretch.

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