Sidestep These Running Mistakes

These 10 common boo-boos make running more tiring than ever.

- Claudia Tan

While running is energy zapping, it shouldn’t leave you worn out all the time. Watch out for these common mistakes.

1 WEARING WORN-OUT SHOES

Proper footwear is something many of us take for granted. One of the most common mistakes is failing to realise that shoes will wear out based on how much you run in them, and not just how long you’ve owned them. Having said that, your build and the type of exercises you engage in matter too. The loss of cushioning plus wear and tear of the soles can make running more tedious or worse, lead to injuries. According to Dr Ben Tan, author of Run for Your Life!: the Complete Marathon Guide, you should change your shoes when they have covered around 800km, or every six to 12 months.

2 STARTING OFF TOO QUICKLY

Pacing yourself is important, especially when it comes to long-distance running. It is tempting to go fast at the start of your run when your legs are fresh. But by doing so, you will burn out quickly and have barely enough energy to complete your last few kilometres. start your run at a slow and comfortable pace before picking up speed. You may need a couple of sessions to find the pace that suits you best.

3 ADOPTING THE WRONG RUNNING FORM

Pay attention to the way you swing your arms. They should be around waist level and bent at 90 degrees. swing your arms back and forth rather than side to side, while keeping your posture upright. It may be tempting to slouch when fatigue sets in, but that only will lead to tension in your neck, shoulders and back, making it even more dreadful to run.