Love running? Avoid these common mistakes
Although many believe running is a simple exercise, it requires proper technique and skills to level it up. Even if you are a professional runner and have run several marathons, one mistake and you can lose out on your fitness and health to a great extent. Avoid this by steering clear of these five common running mistakes.
Running too much, too soon
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. If you are a beginner who has just started, you may unknowingly increase your mileage, register for a lot of races and marathons, and take low to no rest breaks in between. Doing all this can heavily backfire as overuse can lead to fatigue, injuries, and diseases like shin sprints, runners' knees, etc.
Overstriding
Overstriding is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes you could do while running. It is about putting down your heel first and placing the foot well ahead of your body, which can waste your energy, or even worse, cause injuries. Avoid that by not lunging forward with your foot, especially while running downhill. Always focus on landing midsole and with low-arm swings.
Faulty upper body form
Maintaining a correct upper body form and posture while running is important. However, many just swing their arms way too much or hold their hands way up to their chest. Both of these are wrong as they can lead to tension, tightness, or injuries in the neck and shoulders. Instead, place your arms at waist level and gently swing them back and forth.
Overtraining
Most runners, especially beginners, tend to overtrain by running long miles and increasing their speed right at the beginning. They also think that running daily can help them become fit faster, which isn't the case as it can lead to accidents, fatigue, boredom, and burnout. The solution is to increase your mileage gradually, take rest breaks, and add more exercises to your workout regimen.
Improper breathing
You're likely to pant while running and gasp for air if you are breathing the wrong way. Improper breathing while running can lead to side stitches, constant fatigue, and pressure on your lungs. Always try to run at a pace that helps you breathe comfortably. Ensure that you breathe from your belly or diaphragm and inhale with your nose and exhale from your mouth.
