Sticking to the same old running routine can cause you to lose motivation. It can even slow your progress down. One way to improve your performance is by altering your workout regimen and setting a goal to run faster. You can’t be a much faster runner overnight, however. In order to achieve that, you will need these four things.
Knowledge is Everything
Whatever your pursuit in life is, knowledge is what will always give you the power to succeed. This is especially true in running. In order to be able to achieve your goal of being able to run faster, you need to increase your knowledge about running in general. This means you need to study more on the subject of health, training, and nutrition. Whether you are running professionally, or are running just for fun or in order to lose weight, having the right knowledge about the sport will help you get the most out of your workout and help you achieve your goals faster.
Forge Legs of Steel
Building bigger pistons can help you run faster, this according to Spanish researchers who had a group of elite runners add two strength-training sessions to their training per week. After three months of training, the runners were able to improve their record by 5 seconds based on a 3K run. Lifting improves muscle strength, so that the fibers don’t tire easily. This leads to better running efficiency, so if you are not incorporating strength training to your workout right now, you better do so to increase your speed.
Incorporate Sound Nutritional Routine
A good diet makes you perform better, regardless of the type of sport you are involved in. Contrary to what many people say, however, there is no such thing as a special diet for runners. Generally, a healthy diet for any athlete involves one that is rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, and ample in protein. The key here is proportions. Every individual is different, so the meal proportion that works for another runner may or may not work for you. Sit down with your dietician and plot a diet course with proportions that will work best for you and your running goals. Always look at the big picture, though, and don’t worry about indulgences as they won’t ruin your plan.
Don’t Skimp on Running Shoes
Your shoes are your most important gears as a runner, so it only makes sense that you invest in the best possible running pair. The brand and the cost of a pair of running shoes determine their quality, so if you want a pair you can enjoy for a very long time, go for a trusted brand. Branded running shoes may be a lot more expensive, but you can rest assured that you can get your money’s worth with them. Another reason why you should go for branded running shoes such as Nike, for instance, is that creators of these shoes have spent a good amount of time and money researching how they can help improve athletes’ performance while avoiding injury at the same time.
