1. Follow a Running Program or Schedule
If you currently classify yourself as a "runner", then skip this tip. If you're just dabbling in the running scene or are just starting to run want to run a 5k, then this tip is for you! One of the easiest ways is to find an exercise or running program that works for you and your schedule. There's plenty of resources on the internet, and personal trainers available to help you begin running. There's also specific guides for how to train for a 5k. Do your research, choose a program, and stick to it. Check out the one below:
2. Practice Your Breathing
Being more aware of your body and what it's doing while your running can help you improve. One major element of running is breathing. Because running is pure cardio, your heart rate will increase, and so your breathing. If your breathing is what's stopping you from continuing to run, try using the technique in the photo below. Focus on your breathing rate and find a rhythm that's more comfortable for you. Outside of running, you can pick up the practice of meditation to help you focus on your breathing and get more in touch with your body.
3. Pay Attention to Your Form
We don't mean your literal body, but the position your body is in. Your running form is important to your running performance. Many times injuries or exhaustion happen because of bad form. While beginning runners may just need to practice endurance, these tips are still useful to help form good running habits. If it helps, grab a partner and have them video tape or photograph you running so you can specifically pick out spots for improvement.
4. Start Eating Healthier
If your New Year's resolutions included "eating healthier", this is your friendly reminder to keep it up! All you need to do to make yourself a little bit healthier is to make good small decisions, like having an apple instead of chips as part of your lunch, or avoiding temptation by leaving desserts out of the house. Junk food is alright every now and again, and a piece of chocolate everyday won't kill you. Simple be smarter about your choices, practice moderation, and don't overthink it.
4. Add Strength Training Into Your Exercise Routine
Cardio training is great for endurance, especially for long-term runners, but strength training is just as important. Adding strength to your muscles all around, your legs, arms, back, and core, will make it easier to run overall. Not only that, but the added strength will help to prevent injury. If you're new to strength training, start by testing your strength with basic exercises like bicep curls, hamstring curls, tricep dips, etc. You can also follow a program that instructs which exercise to do, how many reps, how many sets, and how often to help you get in the swing of things.
We hope these training tips to prepare for the 5K Fun Run this May will help you along your journey of being a better runner. We're so excited to host our annual 5K Fun Run in the Westland community again this year and we hope to see you all there! Stay tuned to our social media and website for more information about the upcoming race and ticket purchases. Remember, your car is just like your body in that it needs routine maintenance and care to run well throughout the year! We can help you with everything from new shoes (new tires) to oil changes and more at our Service Center in Westland. Check out some of our other tips and tricks to help you keep your ride running well.
Looking for a new car to suit your driving needs for all your upcoming spring and summer adventures? We can help with that, too. We recommend taking a look at the 2018 Ford EcoSport, the 2018 Ford Fusion, or the 2018 Ford F-150 on our website or in person at our dealership on Ford Road! We welcome the chance to serve your automotive needs.
Visit our website: www.northbros.com
