Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 17th June 2021

Running may seem like an easy exercise until you actually set out to do it. It’s one thing to get off the bed and lace up your shoes and it’s another thing to keep up your running pace and enjoy the exercise. Whether you are a beginner or have been running for a while, we have listed the following tips to help you run easier and more comfortably. Here’s some tips to make your running easier and more enjoyable.

Choose the ideal running gear

It is very important that you carefully pick out your running gear because choosing the wrong kit will make your running harder. How comfortable are your sweatpants and shoes? When considering comfort and efficiency for your joggers, check out AthleticJoggers.com for joggers made with some synthetic material rather than the ones with 100% cotton. This is because cotton materials can hold your sweat and cause you to feel cold and uncomfortable while running. Synthetic material does not really hold moisture and does not cling to your skin like cotton material. Apart from your running tights, pay attention to your running shoes too. Ensure they are not too tight or too loose. Make sure they are also balanced and have a comfortable feel. The right running kit will help improve your running experience and make it more comfortable.

Always stick to and allow a gradual increase of your pace

Running in a group has a downside to it as you may feel pressured to keep up the pace with others. Don’t do that! You can end up running yourself out of breath and getting tired easily. Don’t feel sorry for yourself if you can’t keep up, stick to your pace and gradually improve your pace. It takes practice to be able to consistently run at a hard pace, give it time and enjoy the process. Running at your pace will help you run more comfortably and even for longer periods. 

Keep yourself hydrated

For your health and performance, it is important for you to stay hydrated while running. Hydration reduces cramping, helps you recover faster, and improves your performance. While running, you sweat and it is important to replace those fluids that you have lost. To stay hydrated, drink a little water every 15 to 20 minutes. Keep a bottle of water or sports drink close to you, especially if you are going for a long run.

Control your breathing

Try to relax and slowly breathe while you are running. When you breathe too fast, your lungs will take less air. Relax your shoulders and maintain a good posture. Breathe through both your nose and mouth while concentrating on your posture. Avoid heavy chest breathing to prevent your chest from hurting while running. Learning how to control your breath will vastly help your running experience. 

Manage your energy with walk breaks 

Taking walk breaks when running does not make you less of a runner. It allows you to rest your muscles and joints before putting them back to work. Another benefit walk breaks offer is that you get to run for a more extended period and renew your strength. A walk-run exercise can also help reduce wear and tear during running. Beginners most especially should incorporate walks in between their running to prevent injuries, reduce fatigue and recover faster.

Choose your playlist carefully

Don’t underestimate the power of good music when running. Studies have shown that listening to music while running helps you improve your performance because it enables you to take your mind off the pain signals sent by your brain. Your mind becomes focused on the music, and your pace becomes steady. Make a playlist of songs that you enjoy deliberately to help condition your mood and relax while running. 

Don’t overeat before setting out

While it is advisable to eat before running to fuel your system for the exercise, you should do it moderately. A heavy meal before running would cause cramps and make the exercise very uncomfortable for you. If you take a heavy meal, you should wait for at least 3 hours before setting out. Even after taking light meals, you should wait for at least 30 minutes to prevent digestive problems and fatigue. Should you run without eating? The answer is no! But if you must, ensure that you limit your run and stop if you start to feel unwell.

Finally, running is a great way to exercise the muscles and keep the body fit. However, it takes a lot of effort to be motivated and stay motivated. Whenever you feel like you can’t go on anymore, remember why you started. It will help you to keep going.

Running gear, gradual increase of pace, keeping yourself hydrated, and Controlling your breathing are all covered in this blog post on How to Make Your Running Experience More Comfortable.