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in Runners' Roundup, Running, Running Tips · March 16, 2022

10 Small Ways To Improve Your Running Right Now

Sometimes when we think about improving our running we consider the big things, like workouts, strength training programs, and long-term goals. There are also small day-to-day changes we can make that, when done consistently, can help improve your running. Small changes add up, and can seem less intimidating than bigger ones. Check out these small ways to improve your running right now and give some of them a try!

Sometimes when we think about improving our running we consider the big things, like workouts, strength training programs, and long-term goals. There are also small day-to-day changes we can make that, when done consistently, can help improve your running. Small changes add up, and can seem less intimidating than bigger ones. Check out these small ways to improve your running right now and give some of them a try!

10 Small Ways To Improve Your Running Right Now

Drink one extra glass of water

Even better, add some electrolytes into it!

Add in 5 mins of foam rolling 

You can do this while watching TV!

Stretch your hips while scrolling your phone

You know you spend at least 5-10 minutes aimlessly scrolling your phone each day. Get into a hip stretch to make the most of this time.

couch stretch

Check your running shoes 

If you’re tracking your running shoes, check to see if they need to be replaced soon. If you go by feel or how long you’ve had them give yourself a reminder for when they will need to be replaced.

Do 2 minutes of planking 

A little bit of core work goes a long way, and planking is a simple way to do this! Move into different variations, like side planks, to work different parts of the core.

plank

Walk around barefoot

This won’t add any extra time to your day but walking around barefoot helps to strengthen your feet!

Plan out your next week of running 

Plan out your next 7-10 days of running to make sure you get in all your workouts, strength training, and recovery!

Organize your gear and clothes 

Spend a few minutes getting organized so you will know where everything is when you want to head out for a run.

Breathe

Yep, how simple is this? Breathing helps to relax our muscles and can even assist in stabilizing the core when done correctly. Try laying on your back with your knees bent, put your hands on your belly, and take 10 long, slow breaths into your lower belly.

breathing

Go to bed 10 minutes earlier

If you go to bed 10 minutes earlier every day for a week, that will add up to over an hour of extra sleep!

You may also like: Running on No Sleep: Do or Don’t?

Aren’t these habits simple? Even if you do all of them they won’t add much extra time onto your day. Give a few of them a try and see if you can keep up with them for a few weeks- by then they may even become a habit you don’t need to think about anymore!

You may also like:
8 Ways for Runners to Improve Mobility
6 Minute Standing Stretch Routine for Runners
How To Start Running in 2022
3 Simple Ways To Improve Your Running

What small changes have you made to improve your running?
Which of these will you try today?

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Previous Post: « 5 Tips for Choosing a Successful Spring Race Goal
Next Post: How to Increase Hip Extension for Stronger Running »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Catrina says

    March 16, 2022 at 2:07 am

    I love this list, Lisa! You are right, they are all simple and small things that add up.

    Every time I brush my teeth, I stretch out my legs to get a good calf/foot stretch. And when I sit at the desk (like now) I massage my feet with a little ball.
    When I sit in the car, I try to remember to suck in my abs regularly to strengthen the ab muscles. But I usually forget!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 17, 2022 at 4:19 am

      Those are all great ideas! Forming habits like that make it so easy to do a little extra to make us better runners.

  2. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    March 16, 2022 at 7:25 am

    Thanks so much. These are great ideas. And simple to do.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 17, 2022 at 4:20 am

      I am much more likely to start a new habit if it is a simple one!

  3. Kimberly Hatting says

    March 16, 2022 at 8:10 am

    These are great reminders to do throughout the day. None of them take much time or effort, but they all come with benefits.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 17, 2022 at 4:20 am

      Exactly! So easy to add a few of these in each day.

  4. Deborah Brooks says

    March 16, 2022 at 9:02 am

    I agree with all of these! Stretching, more sleep and fine tuning nutrition are all easy ways to improve running

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 17, 2022 at 4:20 am

      Yep they are pretty simple but really add up over time!

  5. Debbie says

    March 16, 2022 at 11:51 pm

    This is perfect timing, it’s 8:50 and I’m going to bed 10 minutes early. 🙂 Great ideas.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 17, 2022 at 4:21 am

      Love it! I’ve felt like I needed to go to bed earlier all week thanks to the time change.

  6. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    March 17, 2022 at 9:51 am

    These are all great tips, Lisa! I always say a little movement is better than nothing. And deep breathing is so important!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 18, 2022 at 5:01 am

      So true!

  7. Jenn says

    March 17, 2022 at 12:51 pm

    Oh! I am barefoot all the time! Yes! Instant improvement!

    My new fridge comes with an in-door water dispenser (huge battle between my husband and I), and I *think* I will drink more water as a result of the access.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 18, 2022 at 5:01 am

      I don’t think I could live without my in-door water dispenser on my fridge!

  8. Michelle says

    March 17, 2022 at 1:05 pm

    All such great tips and so easy to implement! Thanks for sharing.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      March 18, 2022 at 5:01 am

      Hope you find them helpful!

  9. Laura says

    March 22, 2022 at 11:33 am

    I need to get better about foam rolling! I know its benefits, but it is so easy to skip even though it takes so little time.

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Just over here taking a mid-run break to wring out Just over here taking a mid-run break to wring out my shirt and hair 🥵 Seriously the amount of sweat on this run was unbelievable thanks to a dew point of 75. Have I just blocked out summers like this or is this one worse than usual? Honestly though I’d still take this over the cold!

Are you over the heat yet this year? I think it’s the humidity that’s really getting to me!

#run #runner #runnersofinstagram #summmerrunning
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My watch never lined up with the mile markers. For some miles it was far ahead and others it was far behind. But overall my watch read 10.09 so it wasn’t too far off overall. 

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What’s the best post run beverage you’ve gotten after a race?

#run #runner #runchat #runbaltimore #baltimore10miler
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