Tired of blisters, rainy days, chafing and sore muscles? Making your run fun, an endorphin inducing activity, should be without hassle, and should also be part of your training.
While the tips below won’t make you a faster runner, they will help you remove obstacles from your way to accomplish your goal and take advantage of smart training.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever tried any of these hacks!
Stop static stretching before you run
Studies have shown that static stretching offers no real benefit and may even compromise performance when you run. Opt for dynamic stretching instead, which loosens up muscles and increases heart rate, body temperature, and blood flow to help you run more efficiently.
Move to the groove
If you enjoy music while you run, we have great news: listening to music with a higher-than 120 BPM will not only make your run more enjoyable, but could boost your performance by 15 percent. Use SongBPM to figure out the BPM of your favorite songs or check out Jog.fm’s playlist organized by BPM.
Stock up on pantyhose
If you’re very blister-prone, pantyhose (or nylon stockings) could be your savior. Some soldiers wear them underneath their socks because they act as a second skin, stopping their feet from rubbing against socks and thus preventing blisters.
Go with the older model
Even though brick and mortar stores only have the newest models on display, you can still ask for last year’s model. The changes from model to model are usually fairly minor, and you could end up saving money by opting for the other, just as good shoe.
Lace up your keys
If you don’t have any pockets to hold your house and car keys, just tie them into your shoe laces, making sure they’re tied tight and that the keys are secure. Using a belt or an armband is also a good idea, especially if you want to carry more stuff around, like some cash and your smartphone.
Keep duct tape in hand on rainy days
No more soaked socks after a run in the rain! You can keep your feet dry by duct taping the tops to prevent water from getting in. It won’t keep out the water forever, but it will certainly help.
Shower in your running clothes
Running clothes get stinky quick. But that doesn’t mean you have to wash them after every use.
Jump in the shower with your clothes on and give them a good rinse for about 2-3 minutes, and then hang up to dry to use the next day. After doing this two or three times, you will probably be ready to throw them in the washing machine.
Lick yourself after a run
This might be the most strange hack you’ve ever heard, but it can help you avoid dehydration. How? Lick yourself after finishing a run – if it’s really salty, you’ll need to replenish electrolytes.
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