As the unofficial start to the running season is coming up around the corner, are you itching to get started in your 2015 training?  Here are a few tips to get your training off to a great start.

Be Smart About Increasing Mileage

As many people ramp up their running in the spring it can be tempting to hit the roads with guns-a-blazing.  However, increasing mileage too quickly can be an invitation to injury.  Follow a training program that takes moderation into consideration to increase your chances of being healthy for the whole year.

Add Variety

Instead of running the same thing day after day, mix it up with some easy long distance days, cross training, and short distance speed days.  A well-rounded training program reduces the risk of injury as the added variety allows more time for your muscles to recover.

Attend a Good Form Running Class

Complete Runner hosts monthly Good Form Running classes that help runners analyze their posture, cadence, and lean in order to run more efficiently, faster, and injury free. This class can make a lasting impact on your running this year.  Learn how this class improved Ben’s running immensely.

Train Your Lungs

We lift weights, cross train, and have a running schedule to train our bodies but do you have any exercises that focus on your lungs?  This could be the missing exercise in your training program, as respiratory training will reduce the effects of hills, heat, and altitude by increasing your endurance, power, and speed.  We can do respiratory training with certain breathing exercises or with tools like the PowerLung that specifically targets the twelve sets of breathing muscles.

Treat Your Feet to New Shoes

Your shoes from last year may still look nice but they won’t feel nice.  It is not worth aching feet, blisters, or a more serious injury to get a few more miles on an old pair of shoes, so the spring is the perfect time to get a proper fitting with a great pair of new shoes.

Now that are you off in the right direction with your training, take a look at upcoming races to see what ones you would like to participate in.  This will help you keep focus and accountability in your training.  You still have time to get ready for the  Pot O’ Gold run and walk in Flint on March 17, so that may be a great local race to schedule for your 2015 debut.  Learn more about the Pot O’ Gold race today!