This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Easy Tips for Improving Your Running Speed and Skill

If you enjoy running or even if you want to start running, these tips will help you to run faster and avoid injuries.


1.  Have good running form. To avoid injuries and increase your running speed, good form is essential.  Be sure to look forward, relax your shoulders, hands and arms relaxed and by your sides,  keep your knees up, and land between heel and midfoot.  


2.  Wear proper running shoes.  Buy sneakers that are made for running.  Every few months replace your sneakers before they get worn out.

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


3.  Drink water and stay hydrated.  Drink up to 16 oz. of water an hour before your run.  If you’ll be running for more than hour, especially in hot or humid weather,  then a drink such as Gatorade will replace nutrients and minerals lost in your sweat.


4.  Start out running at a slow pace for 3 to 5 minutes.  In the first 3 minutes your body is transitioning from rest to exercise.  After about 3 minutes you can pick up the pace and enjoy the run.

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


5.  After running be sure to stretch.  Stretching your leg muscles and even your upper body will feel good and increase your range of motion.  


6.  Run several times a week and be consistent.  Consistency over time will give you good results.  Your fitness level will improve and you’ll be able to run greater distances.


7.  Don’t overtrain.  Be sure to have at least 1 day of rest each week.  Symptoms of overtraining can include fatigue, injuries, infections and a lost desire for running.


Good luck and contact me with any questions you may have.


Deb Gargano, M.S.

Exercise Physiologist,  Certified Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Modification Counselor

Email me with questions or comments about your health and fitness at  GetFitPersonalTraining@live.com

Check my website at GetFitPersonalTraining.Trainerize.com


Specializing in designing customized fitness programs for weight loss and strength training for athletes, new moms, middle-aged men and women, senior citizens, and those with physical limitations, recovering from surgery, or post-therapy.  , slower running pace and no desire for running.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?