How To Become A Better Runner: 11 Effective Ways

As beginner runners, we’re constantly seeking the next step or secret to becoming a better and quicker runner.

While there are no shortcuts to becoming a great runner, there are a few techniques that both beginners and seasoned runners may use to take their running to the next level.

If you’re new to running, there are probably a few basic changes you can make to your training to enhance your performance.

Whether it’s changing your diet, improving your running technique, utilizing the gym to your advantage, or simply running more, there’s a lot you can do to become a great runner quickly.

In this blog, we will be discussing how to become a better runner.

Stay connected till the end!

What Makes A Better Runner?

Before knowing how to become a better runner, you must know first understand what makes a better runner!

Running is a really enjoyable sport.

It’s very inexpensive, doesn’t include knowing a set of rules or company of others, and has been shown to improve your physical and mental health in a variety of ways.

All of those advantages, though, are readily forgotten after a few miles into your first run, when you’re struggling to breathe and thinking how long it would take to walk home.

It is important to plan ahead of time, like with anything else in life.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a long-term goal in mind, it may just involve deciding how often you’re going to run – but if you have an event planned, choosing a training plan should always be the first thing on your to-do list.

Consistency is the key to becoming a better runner, regardless of distance.

The more you run, the sooner you’ll see a boost in your cardiovascular health, an improvement in both your consistent pace and your maximum speed, and improved healing.

This only applies if you stick to a practical, realistic, and consistent training plan and are clever about how you carry it out.

Long runs should be scheduled on days when you are most likely to succeed to fit them in.

You must be consistent, but you must also be realistic.

How Long Does it Take to Become A Better Runner?

“How long does it take for any beginner to become a better runner?” is one of the most often asked questions whenever we talk about how to become a better runner.

Like anything else in life, if you continue with it long enough, you will become proficient.

I’ve been running for almost 5 years and I can tell you that I truly enjoy it.

Since I run, I am slimmer, fitter, happier, and healthier.

Running has been a terrific stress reliever and aids with weight loss.

However, when you first start out, running can be extremely demanding, both mentally and physically.

With these simple and easy tips, you will not only start to love running and experience all of its advantages, but you will also become a better runner.

Most people begin to get better at running after 4–8 weeks.

The fact about running is that it takes a bit of time to get better at it.

Running on a daily basis causes physiological changes in your body.

11 Best Ways to Get Better at Running

If you’ve previously attempted to love running, begin by erasing any memories of that event from your mind.

Instead, concentrate on the fact that you returned to do this again for whatever reason.

You obviously care about running, or at the very least reaping the advantages of it.

How you improve your running is ultimately determined by your goal.

One runner may want to train for races, while another may train to lose weight.

There is no right or wrong answer.

Let’s start by comparing your training for a race, a weight reduction goal, or anything else you’re attempting to accomplish with your reading of this blog.

You’ll need to scan through it at some point since you need the facts, not the fluff.

Instead, I encourage you to be attentive as you read this blog and treat it as a warm-up for the training ahead.

Now, let’s talk about some great tips on how to become a better runner.

1. Set SMART Goals

Our tip no 1 on how to become a better runner is setting achievable goals.

Creating achievable goals is essential for becoming a better runner.

Ask any professional athlete, and they will tell you that they all set objectives and work tirelessly to achieve them.

The SMART analysis simply means:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Right
• Time-bound

Setting our objectives with this acronym in mind can help us achieve more attainable and right goals.

For example, as a newbie, you may set a goal of running your first 5k in twelve weeks.

This objective is specific, measurable, potentially achievable (depending on your present fitness), right, and allows for adequate training time.

2. Be Patient

Moving ahead, our tip no 2 on how to become a better runner is having patience.

A solid training plan will incorporate a combination of strength training, mobility workouts, speed training, running technique work, various forms of interval training, and long-distance running.

The beauty of this type of mash-up is that each day feels fresh and unique.

It’s far more fun to see a calendar full of diverse activities and daily objectives than to see that you have to run 3 miles a day for the next thirty days.

Any ‘excellent’ training plan is the result of significant thought and planning.

So, if you look ahead to Saturday of Week 4 to notice where you’re meant to run 6 miles, you can trust that everything on the calendar leading up to that will prepare you for your first 6-mile run.

Don’t allow the finish line to take your attention away from the day-to-day workout sessions.

Believe in the process; it was meant to work.

3. Slow Down A Bit

Our tip no 3 on how to become a better runner is to slow down a bit and don’t go in a rush.

Comparison is the most powerful hindrance to progress.

Again, clear your thoughts of any previous memories you’ve had with running — being pushed through the mile run at school, sprinting as quickly as you can trying to catch the bus, twisting an ankle chasing after the dog.

Most people’s first experiences with running entail going as fast as they can or sprinting to fulfill a deadline.

This time, you’re preparing to run for a long period.

Slowing down your speed allows you to keep up your heart rate, making breathing easier, and making lengthy runs more pleasant.

Who knows, you could even be able to converse with a friend!

4. Give High Priority To Recovery

Our tip no 4 on how to become a better runner is to focus on recovery.

Your recovery period is essential for improving your running ability and strength.

Your workouts are simply ways for breaking down muscular fibers.

Every additional stress we put on the body leads muscle fibers to micro-tear as they are pushed.

The great news is that your body heals the tears in the days after your runs, and you eventually return with increased tolerance to that type of stress, getting stronger over time.

While our bodies are normally capable of self-repair, a targeted approach for post-workout recovery will reap rewards!

It is up to us to prioritize our recovery and, in turn, reduce the time it takes to recover from another intense activity.

5. Focus on Your Sleep

Our tip no 5 on how to become a better runner is to pay attention to your sleep.

Sleep is the most effective approach to healing.

If you get enough sleep, you’ll be able to recover from intense workouts much faster.

Plus, you’ll be ready to strike the next one quicker and harder, thereby enhancing your overall health one day at a time.

One of the nicest side effects of an increased workout is being able to fall asleep without difficulty!

Getting your body to action will prepare it for a good night’s sleep.

6. Treat Yourself Like an Athlete

Our tip no 6 on how to become a better runner is to train like an athlete.

Running that is supplemented with strength training and cross-training is far more likely to last.

Strength and agility training will help you become a more efficient runner.

They also act as a second line of defense against bad behaviors that might lead to injury.

Bodyweight strength training activities such as push-ups, lunges, burpees, and squats will help you build strength in an exaggerated version of your running range of motion.

In other words, strengthening the margins of your running form will make running seem easier.

Having additional tools in your toolbox will reduce your injury risk and make you more well-rounded in whatever physical activity you perform, whether it’s gardening work, grocery shopping, or playing with your dog.

In this day and technology, it would be foolish to believe that elite runners just run.

7. Perform Regular Stretching 

Our tip no 7 on how to become a better runner is to perform daily stretching.

Another popular method for reviving a fatigued, achy body is to mobilize and stretch on a regular basis.

Again, you’re pushing your body to new heights every day, whether it’s a relatively long jog, 30 squats rather than 20, or running your quickest mile ever on the treadmill.

You can’t expect your hamstrings, lower back, calves, quads, and other muscles to stay working if you don’t give them some love a couple of times a week.

8. Run With Friends

Our tip no 8 on how to become a better runner is to run with your friends.

My assumption is that your earlier running objectives were disrupted when a series of uninspired moments convinced you that you’d taken on more than you could handle.

Note that the lows are not an indication of oncoming failure.

Rather, they are an expected element of a really fantastic journey to the finish line.

Keep this in mind, and you’ll be far less fazed when they arise, and you’ll be able to stay on track much better.

This cannot be a solo journey.

Sure, you’ll be the one who has to get out of bed on a chilly, gloomy morning.

And you’ll be the one who needs to keep up with the additional laundry after a week’s worth of workouts.

But you don’t want to be the only person accountable for pulling yourself out of days when none of those things appeal to you.

Even the finest runners in the globe do not wake up every day with 100 percent enthusiasm.

Handling those situations to the best of your abilities, with the extra support of a run club or online novice running group, will be the key to progress.

Groups of individuals who are going through the same things you are at the same time have a specific kind of power.

9. Buy Good Quality Running Shoes

Our tip no 9 on how to become a better runner is to invest in good quality running shoes.

Investing in a good pair of running shoes is a simple method to improve your running while lowering your chance of injury.

Instead of going to any old store and purchasing the most expensive pair, you might consider having a gait analysis performed.

Gait analysis is the technique of studying our running form and style in order to select the appropriate shoes.

Almost every runner’s gait is unique; whether you’re an overpronator, underpronator, or neutral runner, there’s a shoe for you.

Most high-end running businesses will do gait analysis in-store, allowing you to select the most comfortable shoes for you.

10. Include Different Types of Workouts in your Training Plan

Our tip no 10 on how to become a better runner is to bring variety to your training plan.

You will become a better runner if you vary your training.

Running exercises such as a tempo run, interval training, and long run every one to two weeks will significantly improve your running.

Running exercises engage distinct energy systems and promote diverse physiological changes.

In addition, including cross-training into your workout routine can help you to improve your cardiovascular fitness without hitting the ground.

This will lower your risk of injury while directly enhancing your running performance, all without you having to run!

11. Know Your Limits

Our tip no 11 on how to become a better runner is to know your limits.

While running every day may appear to be the answer to becoming a better runner, if you’re a newbie, you’re likely to increase your risk of injury.

You see, while you will surely reap the stamina and physical benefits early on, you will almost likely get an injury — it’s practically unavoidable.

So, while it’s excellent to keep that champion attitude, we recommend scaling back on the training and prioritizing your rest days.

If you’re too much of an energizer bunny and can’t sit motionlessly, consider cross-training a few times a week instead.

There is no magic formula for becoming a better runner.

It takes dedication, effort, and the attitude of a real champion. Use these 11 suggestions to take your running to the next level.

Whether you want to establish a personal record at your local park run or run your first marathon, these recommendations will get you started.

Final Thoughts

Have faith in yourself!

The self-assurance you’ll have as a result of this action will make you invincible.

Take these things one day at a time and don’t fall into the urge to give up.

Understand that self-confidence involves trusting yourself if you struggle with it. And trust is something that can be gained.

Now that you know how to improve your running, it’s time to put your knowledge into action.

Make a plan instead of just reading and planning about your day.

Till now, you might have got a good idea about how to become a better runner—now go do it!

FAQ’s