Get Your Running Right On Track

May's issue of Men's Fitness featured a helpful little editorial on how to avoid common running traps, of course everyone has different styles and preferences, but these 6 tips should see you improve your training and workout!

Wrong Trainers

Rather than grabbing your old, worn out running shoes and jetting out the door, try and get your gait measured and buy the right trainers for you. Even highstreet stores like DW Sports offer 'gait analysis' these days, so it's something well worth checking out. Your gait could be neutral, pronated or supinated. Wearing the right shoes will make running a lot more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury. If you've got a big run coming up, it's also worth breaking in your new running trainers with some shorter runs beforehand, just like you would with a new pair of walking boots.

No Goal

Repetitive training can become tedious at the best of times so setting yourself a goal gives you direction and the challenge of progression, you'll find clocking up the miles far more rewarding!

Too Much, Too Soon

Setting yourself a goal on each run is a great way to push yourself on, but down push yourself TOO hard. Every new mile you run is a new stress on the body it hasn't had before, so sticking to a training programme, especially for the longer running events is recommended to avoid burning yourself out.

Gadget Overkill

Running doesn't have to be overcomplicated, too many gadgets can distract you, slow you down and stop you listening to your own body. Of course having your iPod on the treadmill is a tad different, but when your out and about, it's great to take in the sounds of the outdoors, not to mention it's a lot safer if you have any roads to navigate.

Lack of Variety

As well as being pretty boring, repetition won't get you reaping the rewards. You can only progress if you keep challenging your body, otherwise your body will acclimatise to your workload and you won't get anywhere, even backwards. Try new routes and vary your tempo to get the most out of your running.

Running When Injured

Any niggles or strains your carrying will only get worse if you continue to exert yourself. Quite simply, the best way to recover from injury is to rest. If your niggles don't seem to heal by themselves it's worth seeking medical advice to get yourself sorted so you can don those running trainers once more!