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.
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.
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.
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!
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What small changes have you made to improve your running?
Which of these will you try today?
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!
Those are all great ideas! Forming habits like that make it so easy to do a little extra to make us better runners.
Thanks so much. These are great ideas. And simple to do.
I am much more likely to start a new habit if it is a simple one!
These are great reminders to do throughout the day. None of them take much time or effort, but they all come with benefits.
Exactly! So easy to add a few of these in each day.
I agree with all of these! Stretching, more sleep and fine tuning nutrition are all easy ways to improve running
Yep they are pretty simple but really add up over time!
This is perfect timing, it’s 8:50 and I’m going to bed 10 minutes early. 🙂 Great ideas.
Love it! I’ve felt like I needed to go to bed earlier all week thanks to the time change.
These are all great tips, Lisa! I always say a little movement is better than nothing. And deep breathing is so important!
So true!
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.
I don’t think I could live without my in-door water dispenser on my fridge!
All such great tips and so easy to implement! Thanks for sharing.
Hope you find them helpful!
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.