Running & Fitness

How To Get the Most Out of Your Daily Run

Matt Orlando
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Some people run every day for the sport of it. Others do it because it’s a good form of exercise. Regardless of the reason why you go on a jog every morning, there are certain things you can do to use that time as best you can. If you’re looking for tips on how to get the most out of your daily run, then you’ve come to the right place.

Track Your Runs

If you’re new to running or are switching from casual running to something more serious, then you need to start tracking your runs. If you have a phone or smartwatch, download an app that uses GPS to track how far you ran and how fast you were moving. There are hundreds of apps that do this, so make sure you take the time to research them to see which one will be the best fit for you. Usually, the more info it gives you, the better.

Focus on Only Yourself

Many runners both new and old try to compare themselves to others—whether it’s friends, professionals, or someone else they see running every morning. While some friendly competition isn’t a bad thing, beating yourself up for not doing as well as someone else is. No matter how good at running you get, there will always be someone better than you. If you’re the best, you shouldn’t be reading this article in the first place. Obviously, there’s always room for improvement, but don’t let the occasional bad run get you down.

Know the Possible Dangers

A commonly overlooked tip in our guide on how to get the most out of your daily run is knowing what possible problems you might run into. Avoiding these dangers will help you have more successful runs. Sure, everyone knows that stretching is crucial—but do you know why? The stretching process warms up your muscles, which puts them in a better state for the amount of stress you’re about to put on them. Failing to do so will cause your muscles to tighten up easier, making pain and stiffness a more common issue.

It’s also good to be mindful of external forces. For example, runners get hit by cars way more often than you might think. As a pedestrian, you absolutely must be aware of moving vehicles around you, even if you’re properly following the rules of the road. At the very least, it’s a good idea to know what you need to do should you get hit by a car.

Get the Right Gear

The first thing you probably did after you got into running was buy a pair of running shoes. However, that’s not the only gear you’ll need. Wearing tight-fitting clothing will help keep you from chaffing as well as assist your natural blood flow.

If you plan to go for long runs, buying a light backpack or runner belt will allow you to bring essential items, such as a water bottle, sunglasses, or even your wallet in case you need to buy a quick snack mid-run.