Must-Read: Run Better

Make it work for you

Running sucks. We have previously gone on record saying that it is the least favorite thing we do on a regular basis. We don’t get the so-called alleged adrenaline rush that is associated with it, we don’t enjoy simply jogging from one place to another without some kind of competition in the forefront of our mind, but it is still something we have to do in order to stay in shape and just stay sane. But the worst part about running is that we’re never entirely sure if we’re “doing it right.” Should we be taking longer strides? Are we missing out on something by not? Are we causing long-term damage to our knees by simply tweaking everything in a certain direction.

Unless you’re a professional or have been given professional instruction, you never really know if you’re actually doing it right. So today we’re heading over to Men’s Health where they have a list of three ways in which you may not be running as well as you should be. Among their bits of advice:

Up Your Leg Turnover
Elite runners have about 180 strides per minute. Target that mark by eliminating your loping stride and pump your legs higher with quick, light steps on the ground. Run to a song like The Gaslight Anthem?s ?45?, which is right around 180 bpm. (Check out our list of The 20 Best Running Songs of All Time for more inspiration.)

Having a strong knee lift in your stride helps you lean slightly forward, protects from overstriding, and allows for a joint-protecting mid-foot strike, says Quinn. To keep your legs churning strong at the same pace, strengthen your hip flexors?they allow for fast, powerful forward leg movement. Try a move like the mogul jump to strengthen your hip flexors along with your whole core.

Head on over to the above link to check out the rest of the tips in order to make your running not so terribly painful, and then head on out to the track and get all your running out.