Anyone Can Be a Great
Runner
If there is one thing that I hear
many people complain about constantly it would have to be running. I know
running can be hard but it is really not that bad. Once you know the basics you would either be
able to run a marathon or even work to run as fast as the Olympic winner for
track, Usain Bolt. All it takes is a little technique, self discipline,
motivation, and a relaxed mind. You can
be any size or shape to be a great runner all it takes is dedication. You don’t
have to run many years of track as I did to be a great runner.
The tools
to the accomplishment of becoming a great runner are simple and inexpensive.
All you need is some workout wear, whether they are running shorts, running
tights, a t-shirt, or a workout shirt, any brand or any style you desire. Of
course you are also going to need some running shoes (Nikes or Adidas are
highly recommended) however, any brand of running shoes are okay.) NOTE: Any
shoes worn while working out or running that aren’t meant for athletics will
cause shin splits and will add an unnecessary obstacle to your journey of
becoming a great runner. Any other
athletic attire or accessories like headbands or wristbands are fine as well;
just remember that the less weight you have the faster and easier you can run.
One of the most important factors of running is to stay hydrated so make sure
to grab your water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Side
effects of dehydration may be: passing out, gasping of air, dry throat/mouth,
cotton mouth, exhaustion, or lack of dedication to run. THEREFORE, STAY
HYDRATED!
If you are
interested in building your endurance and prefer jogging the steps are easy.
First have a good mind set and be ready to run. Second, find a good running
location, whether it is a treadmill, a park, a track, or even just around the
neighborhood. CAUTION: If you are running around the neighborhood watch out for
moving vehicles and any other obstacles that might interrupt your journey of
becoming a great runner.
If you are planning to run for a specific amount of time
remember to bring a watch or timer to keep track. Now that you have your
running attire, water, running location, and a great mind set you are ready to
be put into action. Start your timer and get going.
Whether you
want to sprint or jog there are a couple of mechanics that you must know. When running try to keep your arms at a 90 degree
angle and swing your arms from the shoulders. NOTE: Keep in mind the faster
your arms move is the faster your legs move.
Try not to extend arms out to far or there is a high possibility you
might smack yourself in the face while running.
When running, you do not run on your heels or your toes, but the balls
of your feet, which is the portion of your foot in between your toes and your
heels. When running, also remember to
step over. You might be asking what step over is, well I have an answer.
Stepping over is making sure that as you run, your foot passes right over the opposite
knee. (If you were standing still your thigh would be in a flat tabletop
position and your foot would be parallel with the ground placed right over the
opposite knee.)
If you want to be more of a
sprinter (fast runner that runs shorter distances), remember you cannot run a
long time at a very fast speed. Therefore, the distances you run are going to
be a lot shorter. For example, you might run 100 meters 10 times at a fast
speed with a 3 minute rest in between each 100 meter, whereas someone that would
rather run at a slower pace and a longer time and or distance. In that case it
would be better to run for 30 minutes to an hour at a nice comfortable pace,
where you are not huffing and puffing for air. Or you might just want to run a
certain distance between 1 to 5 miles.
Another important factor of being a
great runner is to make sure you breathe. This may sound irrelevant but you might
be surprised at how many people run’ whether it’s fast or slow and forget to
breathe. For the best air circulation through
the lungs, try to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Now you
have every step and tool of what it takes to be a great runner. Whether you
want to train to be in the Olympics, stay fit, or just loose weight, just know
you can do it.
Photo credits by Google
I like this. I recognize the advice from the season that I did do track. Very informative.
ReplyDeleteYou made me want to run! And I hate running! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hayleigh! you really made running sound fun and enjoyable :)
ReplyDeleteI think your humor helped to get people more involved in this generally unagreeable sport :p Also, your constant encouragement definitely works!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really dislike running. But I TOTALLY agree with you. It's such an easy way to exercise and you don't even need anything except legs and a beating heart.
ReplyDeletePersonally i hate running and being out of breath i have many friends that are in track and field but they never told me anything about a step over or what wearing the wrong shoes can do well what im trying to say is that this was very informative thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of running, but I keep telling myself that one day I will run. Reading about how simple running is makes me feel like actually getting up and running (too bad it's raining), thanks :)
ReplyDeleteThis piece made me feel like getting fit until I realized currently I'm a horrible runner. Although I am a fantastic walker so maybe I'll try that out.
ReplyDeleteEven though a play soccer and all we do is run , when my coach tells us to bring our running shoes its not the best thing to hear before practice. You made running sound so fun. There were so many things I didn't know about running, now I know them! Good job and Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI hate running beyond all belief, but this piece gave an entirely different perspective than that of my own; I enjoy the light you presented the subject under!
ReplyDeletevery good job jerine i hate running but now i MIGHT start jogging a little from time to time this was very informative
ReplyDeleteThis was very informative about the different aspects of running, the information will hopefully come in handy if i ever decide to stop hating running with every inch of my being. I really liked your uses of "NOTE:" and "CAUTION:" because they felt silly and made it more fun to read. You can tell you know your stuff in this~
ReplyDeleteI love to run and I am glad you took the time to write this out for other people to inspire them to improve and love it as much as you do.
ReplyDeleteI can so picture you coaching track after high school! And I will definitely remember this during track this year ;)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely didn't know what a step over was lol but good job! the little side notes made this quirky and fun! I liked it!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the first sentence my interest, honestly, went out the window because I hate running. But, then I read further and realized that this was very helpful information. Not only did I absorb some great advice, but I also got some motivation. You worded eveything so well and clarified on certain things you knew your readers would ask questions about. Thanks for this and great work!
ReplyDeleteI like how you did not make this really boring. You had much enthusiasm and just from reading it, it would sound like you are very encouraging to the audience.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT! i feel so unfit after reading this because i haven't ran since Sophomore Year P.E.! This motivated me to do at least run for thirty minutes a day twice a week in order for me to be fit again! LOL I LOVE THE USEFUL INFORMATION SO MUCH! I should start running soon, because this made me want to do it right away! I like how you added CAUTION and NOTE as a advice in order to run in a good way. Thank you for the informative advice !
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. This was pretty great, I have to agree with Amber in the note and caution carrying a silly tone. And uh, jerine, did you call yourself a great runner in the first paragraph? Aha, " You don’t have to run many years of track as I did to be a great runner." aha im just joshin, i bet you are fantastic, as far as i can tell from this post ya definitely know your tomatoes from your potatoes. I dig all of your recommendations, making it a more personal "how to" with emphasis on "its all the mind" and i totally agree. Your diction and voice just made me happy "journey of becoming a great runner" "high possibility you might smack yourself" hahahahah fanfriggintastic. It wasn't just a "how to" it was incredibly motivational and encouraging. Thanks for believing in all of us Jerine! :)
ReplyDeleteOkay so is it just me or does everybody else on here feel inspired to go on a run? Haha I always admire those who run expecially for long distances. I remember watching "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", and one of the girls, Bridget, goes to soccer camp and runs on the beach for miles and miles. I was so inspired that I decided to run that night , but I didnt make it far. Oh well maybe next time, with a little help from this blog, i'll make it past the stop sign! THanks for the great post!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat made running sound so much simpler and more bearable than it is in my mind. I Love how even though you stated that you have many years of experience, you still can relate to those of us who don't have that! Maybe I should start using my running shoes again.
ReplyDeleteI loved how you had the side notes to help create a more personal tone. This was really informative and i could feel your passion you have for running just by reading this. It is very motivational, good job!
ReplyDeleteEven though I am not a cardio type of person. You made running seem like something I want to do, even though I am not even capable.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really inspiring and informative piece of work! The comical tone with "NOTE:" helped make this a very interesting read. This perspective made running seem more of an enjoyable way to spend time rather than a killer exercise used in a way that schools may use as a punishment.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I have a pair of free runs! This makes me want to go out and run a couple of miles!(:
ReplyDeleteMy absolute favorite part of this was the cautionary note to not hit yourself in the face! :) I liked your personal tone throughout the entire thing, it was more as if I was having a conversation with you rather than reading your words. I very much enjoyed the opening paragraph where you talk about how any body, any shape or size, can become an active runner. This allowed everybody reading to feel as if you were speaking directly to them personally, and gave them the motivation to keep reading and visualize themselves doing the steps that you outlined! :)
ReplyDeleteReading this mde running actually sound easier than it actually is, maybe that's because jerine is in track because there is no way it is that simple.
ReplyDeleteThis was very inspirational! Made me want to run and be healthy
ReplyDeleteVery informative! I take a lot of pride in fitness and I am glad you are trying to motivate people to get up and run!
ReplyDeleteWell I have always been the person that says they don't like to run, but after reading this, I actually have a different perspective. Maybe it's not such a miserable activity after all? I think I'll give it another try soon with my new attitude and see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteOh,man when I first read the title I thought "Any one can be a great runner...except me." Your guide has great tips because before my only strategy was to imitate walking, but only faster. I own a pair of Roshes; they are for the looks rather than the exercise.
ReplyDeleteI run all the time for cross country and track and field and I agree with the point you made about having the right mind set it is probably the most important thing. btw that breathing part is so true, I couldn't help but laugh when I read it xD
ReplyDeleteReally just got out and run would be a simple way of saying this, but you were able to put all those details in that many people dont even think of in a fun and interesting way.
ReplyDeleteI love how you made this about track since we are on the same team I understand how to be a great runner, and even better now cause of this :)
ReplyDeletevery informative! I might just go run a mile!
ReplyDeleteNow I feel the need to go for a good run. Too bad it's a little late right now so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to do so.
ReplyDeleteI don't like to run, but if I'm being chased by a zombie, I'll have to keep some of your tips in mind :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the insight. I always wondered. About how in the world do you guys run so fast and make it look so easy. This was really insightful and amazing now I can't wait to go and tryout the new tecniques that you provided us with. This was amazing advice and it would be terrible to ignor it, since you never know you might end up being the next Olympian, its all a matter of trying.
ReplyDeleteI love that you reminded people to breathe because I sometimes forget to do just that. :) Good Job Jerine!
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