Millions of people consider running their sport of choice. Whether you run for fun, fitness, or train to achieve specific athletic goals, running is empowering and healthy. But how can you up your game from an amateur runner looping your neighborhood to training like a pro? Elite runners are on a whole other level from casually training, but that doesn't have to stop you.
In fact, the secret training tips shared by most elite runners are also the keys to a healthy and energetic lifestyle that we can all benefit from. These tips can help you train to meet your running goals, hone your fitness routines, and learn how to run like a pro.
1. Build a Well-Rounded Routine
If you want to run like a pro, start with a well-rounded fitness routine. This includes optimized nutrition, high-quality sleep, and smart recovery in addition to workout sessions and a rock-solid workout routine.
A well-rounded routine nourishes your body and gives you the energy you need to perform at your best. It also helps you build a running-focused lifestyle into daily habits. Before you know it, lacing up your shoes in the morning or making your afternoon smoothie will feel effortless, turning healthy habits into a seamless part of your lifestyle.
2. Train for Goal Races
If you want to run like a pro, choose a few goal races a year and train to achieve those specific goals and conditions. Goal races set the distance, time, and terrain that you will be trying to master. Each goal race is an opportunity to strategically alter your routine and keep your training interesting with your eye on the price.
As a bonus, it's also motivation to really sign up and participate in races, which can add a new thrill to your running routine.
3. Fuel Your Workout and Recovery
Strategize your nutrition choices based on clean energy and efficient recovery cycles. Carbs do their best work right before a run because they process into pure energy, and you can burn that energy directly before it can be processed as sugars or stored as fat. Fuel up on protein, fiber, and veggie nutrients after a run as your muscles enter recovery and rebuilding mode.
If you're taking a recovery day, focus on high protein, low calorie nutrition like protein smoothies or lean fish to fuel a speedy and efficient recovery.
4. Strengthen Your Tendons
It was once thought that tendons couldn't be trained. In reality, they just strengthen much slower than muscles and injuries are more severe. One of the best ways to boost your long-term performance is to intentionally train your tendons with slow weighted isometrics.
5. Set a Regular Time for Sleep
Good sleep is an essential part of great training. In fact, in the deepest cycle of sleep your body enters a special state of stasis and rebuilding. This is the ultimate recovery state. Good sleep can help you wake up energized, enjoy faster muscle recovery, and give you the energy you need for your next training routine.
One of the best ways to achieve great sleep is to go to sleep at the same time every day. Your brain will learn when to get sleepy, you will sleep more deeply and wake up (at the same time) ready to face a new day.
6. Exercise Soon After Waking Up
After that great sleep, get your shoes on before you even pour the coffee. Exercise is the most effective if you start moving within ten minutes of rolling out of bed. This is one of the reasons many elite runners swear by the early morning run. Whether it's a long run or just a brisk jog around the block, an early run can set up your entire day for greater energy, focus, and success in whatever you do.
7. Gear Up for Success
Last but never least, get the right gear to run like a pro. Pro runners each have a favorite list of gear that they can't live without. It might be their favorite brand of sports clothing, lucky socks, the perfect hair binding solution, or a belt that helps them carry everything for long training sessions outdoor or at the gym. FlipBelt is the perfect running belt for phones that can help you carry your keys, essentials, and curved water bottles to tackle your training routine with confidence and convenience.
Contact us today to explore innovative and optimized running gear for your pro-style training routine.
