My Egg Noodles

Over the last couple of months I’ve run more miles than I have in my whole life! I don’t run just to get in better shape but what running does for the mind. Apart from a select few hours over the weekend, I’m pretty much stuck on a chair in front of the PC, so by going running gives me a chance to reflect on other things in life apart from work. I’m addicted.

Anyway, here are my 10 top tips for better running:

1. Warm up
I used to only spend 3 minutes warming up as my missus and her mate would laugh at me swinging my hips around and trying to touch the floor with my arse in the air. That was until I pulled a muscle in my ankle that took a couple of weeks to heal. Do some simple exercises for at least 10 to 15 minutes – especially those that concentrate on warming up your legs, calves and ankles!

2. Shoes
Right now I’m running in a pair of brown trainers that I normally wear when I’m wearing jeans – There more for going out than jogging but I did promise myself a new pair if I kept the running up for 2 months I can’t wait to get some really comfortable running shoes and I advise you to do the same. After looking around, I’m looking at the Nike Lunar Trainers

3. Music
I once went jogging without my ipod as the battery was flat… never again! What a bore. High tempo music really does lift the spirits when you’re running and if you get a track with a fast tempo, you can run along to the beat! Tonight I was listening to “Don’t you mind by DJ paleface featuring Klya” and “Martin Solveig C’est la view (fredde vs. martin club mix)” both great tracks for running!

4. Headphones
At the moment I’ve got some Sennheiser in-ear headphones – they are the best head phones I’ve ever had (I’ve bought 3 pairs in the last few years) but the trouble with in-ear head phones is that they keep falling out of my ears! Do your self a favour and get some sport neck headphones… I’m eye’ing up the Sennheiser sport neck line headphones.

5. Time of day
One of the main reasons why I run on the streets of Bangkok rather than in an air conditioned gymnasium is due to the time I go running. I have had many gym memberships over the years and although I’m active for the first week or so, I normally stop going to the gym due to the opening hours not being convenient for my schedule. I think I’ve kept my running schedule this time due to going when is most convenient for me i.e really late a night. Make sure you have the option to run whenever you want, try not to limit the hours you are able to run (i.e Gym opening times).

6. Set the timer
Whenever I go running I always set the timer and try to beat my best time. After running for a couple of weeks you will see an improvement in your speed and it’s o’ so satisfying to come back knowing you have set a new record!

7. Route
This should be obvious but for a long time I used to run a route that had so many obstructions like building materials, wonky pavements etc. Try and pick a route that is smooth, it makes all the difference.

8. Rhythm
On of the main reasons why it’s a good move to pick a route that has smooth pavement is so you can get a rhythm going and keep to it. Your breathing and your legs syncing together nicely really does make running more easier which in turn makes it more pleasurable.

9. Don’t drink too much
At half way I normally stop into the 7-11 and buy myself a bottle of water. I’ve learned that if you drink to much it can make me feel sick when I continue running after. What I’ve found that works well is rinsing my mouth with water serval times then spitting it out.

10. Cold Shower
Don’t be tempted to have a nice hot shower when you get back home, instead have a cold shower as this will stop your muscles tearing by bleeding out so that you your muscles don’t end up to sore.

Take the advice above with a pinch of salt as I’m not an expert on running, these are just tips that I’ve picked up while running a few times a week for the last few months.

Any tips you have on running that you can share?