How To Speed Up Your Run Without Even Trying
Sticking to the same running routine can slow one down. It is also possible that certain conditions from the weather, down to the running shoe have a significant effect on how fast one can run. These conditions can be easily controlled and can drastically improve a runner’s speed. Here are some factors besides an athlete’s strength and skill that can affect how fast they can run. Put these to use in your next race and you might just be surprised by the results.
Pick A Day With Cooler Weather
It is has been proven that athlete’s run their fastest on a cold and cloudy day. Even though the weather cannot be controlled, runners can decide when and where they will run. To beat a personal best time, it is best to not race in the middle of the day during a hot summer. Pick a cooler day in the spring or fall instead to compete in a race or to beat a personal time. The time of day should be considered as well: a 7 am start will provide cooler temperatures than an 11 am start.
Run On Flat Ground
Running uphill can slow a runner down, even when they are used to running hills without becoming tired. Also, they will never make up the time lost running uphill, when they are running downhill. It is best to just stick to a route that is described as a flat and fast course. Finding a race that is mostly downhill, will certainly provide a more rapid time. If participating in a race with both ups and downs, it is best to consider where they occur in the run. It is preferred to have the uphill at the beginning or middle, and the downhill at the end of the race when the runner is more tired.
Run Behind Another Runner
When running at a faster speed, it creates a bit of wind resistance. It is not as active in running as in bicycling, but if running fast enough, the air can be robust enough to slow down the speed of a runner. By hiding behind another runner, the wind can be blocked. When competing in a race, it should not be too hard find another runner to be a personal windbreaker.
Keep Up With Other Runners
There is another advantage to running with other people. Seeing others running at the same speed assists in convincing the subconscious that one needs to keep up. Other runners provide not only a wind break but also a psychological boost. When racing, it is helpful to run alongside a group that is running at the speed one would like to achieve. In fact, most big races offer pace groups depending on personal goal time. For example, if one is looking to finish the marathon in 3 hours, find another runner holding a “3:00” sign and that is the pace group leader.
Drink Water But Don't Stop For It
Water stops in races are typically tables where volunteers pour water into cups and sometimes stand with the cup in hand on the sideline so runners can grab one without stopping. Using a hydration belt during a run is more helpful as there is quick access to the bottles of water when needed. This way, one can avoid the crowd at the water station, and avoid a time-consuming stop.
Don't Run A Step More Than Needed
It is best to follow a particular path through the racetrack or path when running. If the marathon is on a city street, with a lot of turns and bends, it is crucial to know that the distance is measured along the shortest available path. Taking the longer path can be avoided by running bends as close to the inside as possible. If not, more distance will be added, and that will result in a slower run.
Pick The Right Shoes
There are many different types of running shoes available on the market. Before purchasing, it is recommended to research which type of shoe works best for personal running goals. For example, some shoes have more foam, which results in a little bit of a bounce. However, this isn’t very likely to make a significant difference in overall running time. More foam may give a runner more bounce, but they can also be heavier, resulting in a slower time. It is probably best to evaluate which shoe works best with trial and error. If a type of shoe, regardless what it is made of, makes running a comfortable and happy experience, then that is the right pair.