6 Simple Tips to Help Your Running
Always Trying to Improve
I do not believe in shortcuts, especially for distance runners. This is not a shortcut post, so if you’re looking for one, you’re gotta go somewhere else.
This is a “I’m too busy for that” kind of post where I’m going to tell you that no, you aren’t too busy. It’s just that it’s not a priority for you. Yet.
Once you realize that these simple activities will help you improve your running, you’ll never not do them again.
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Strides at the end of your easy runs.
Why this works: Small doses of speed sprinkled throughout your week will make you a snappier, faster runner. I try to do striders the day before a workout and long run. This means that 3-4 days a week I’m running a total of roughly 400-600 meters at my mile race pace or faster. This is how you stay in contact with your speed. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough that you’re never too far away from fast work.
Packing healthy snacks for work.
Why this works: You know that when you’ve done a hard morning run (or any run, really) and you’ve just got that hunger that can’t be satiated… Well, having snacks helps you know what you’re putting into your system and also helping you avoid the second or third helping of treats that are in the lounge.
Stretch major muscle groups before you go to bed.
Why this works: It’s so dang simple. Your muscles are about to be still and stiff for hopefully 8 hours. A simple stretch of your quads, your calves, and your hamstrings sometime before you go to bed will help them relax. Your muscles will thank you, and this will take you less than 2 minutes.
Drink water - and if you don’t like only drinking water - mix in hydration tablets.
Why this works: You need to stay hydrated. The science is out there on what a dehydrated runner can and cannot do. As we are mostly made out of water, it’s important that we stay hydrated. And if “boring” water isn’t your thing, put flavors in it.
Recovery optimization.
Why this works: Whether it’s low-tech like a foam roller or lacrosse ball or more advanced, like a scraping tool and a cupping device, recovery modalities help keep muscles happy.
Practice your running drill before you head out for your run.
Why this works: When you are tired at the end of a workout or race, your body naturally flows to its most natural and optimized motions. But if those motions are flawed, your body doesn’t recognize them as flawed. They just gravitate to what it knows best. By working on your form, you can create new pathways for your body to flow through.
Six super simple things you can do right away to help your running.
Take one of them at a time - maybe it’s drinking more water. That’s something you can track and see progress. See how you feel when you drink more water.
Maybe it’s stretching.
Do one of them until you have a routine, and then add in a second or third.
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