The UK has its fair share of running enthusiasts. According to surveys, 7 million people went running more than once each month during the period between 2019 and 2020.
There’s no denying the popularity of the sport. Unfortunately, many runners make a few common mistakes that result in injuries or a decrease in their passion for running. Here are a few mistakes you might be making.
You’re Overdoing It
We know how it feels when you’re super motivated to run. You want to go as fast as you can, cover as much distance as possible, and be as frequent as you can manage. We get it. However, you don’t want to overdo things.
It takes a while for your body to adjust to running every day. Yes, the exercise is exhilarating, but it can quickly become super exhausting as well. If you overestimate your abilities and continue running without taking enough resting breaks, you’re at risk of injuries.
Take it slow. Start by running at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed. The same goes for the distance you cover. This will help your body get used to you running regularly. Most importantly, take enough time to rest. If you’re running every evening, make sure you dedicate one full rest day in between. You can also use your breaks to participate in low-intensity workouts.
Running Too Fast or Slow
Another running mistake people make is running as fast as possible every time they go for a run. Unless you’re participating in a marathon or a virtual racing challenge, you don’t need to go all-out every single time. This will increase the likeliness of sports injuries. Instead, you should incorporate slow runs and speed training into your running schedule.
Similarly, running too slow each time isn’t the way to go either. You can’t improve your speed if you only focus on your mileage! It’s important to maintain a balance between fast and slow running.
Having Poor Upper Body Form
If you tend to swing your arms side-to-side while running, you may experience breathing difficulties. You may also slouch more frequently.
Ideally, your hands should be at waist level, and your arms should form a 90-degree angle with the elbows. Try and rotate your arms at the shoulder instead of the elbow to improve your upper body form. You should also keep your back straight and your head up.
The Running Bug provides a range of virtual marathon challenges for individuals interested in running. Check out our 5k and 10k run challenges here, and sign up for a virtual racing challenge today! We also offer kids’ challenges.
