Whether you’re competing in a running competition (Hackney Moves festival we see you) or simply trying to run a little further or faster in your weekly jog, here are a few tips to see you through and ensure that you’re running your best race 

Your breath is a tool that you can use to your advantage, and controlling it will allow you to stay relaxed and in charge of your run. When you’re next out on a run, try to find a breathing rhythm. This means that rather than breathing aimlessly and getting out of breath easily, you’re breathing with purpose and structure. Perhaps you want to breathe to the rhythm of your strides (E.g inhale for two steps, exhale for two steps). Perhaps you want to count in your head, or use the beat of the music to guide you. Whichever you decide, if you conquer your breath, you’ll be able to oxygenate those muscles that are working hard and achieve the goal you’re aiming for. 

Keep it chill

Even if you’re aiming for a personal best, running shouldn’t feel strained. Challenging? Yes. Demanding? Yes. Bloody hard? Yes! But full of tension and stress? Not at all. Take a look at the most impressive runners in the world, from Shelley Ann Fraser-Price (one of the fastest sprinters on earth), to Eliud Kipchoge (the only person to ever run a sub 2hr marathon). They’re running fast and giving their all, but their faces are relaxed, their shoulders are relaxed down away from their ears. There’s no room for wasted energy, and so they’re removing the tension to allow themselves to run smoother and more controlled. This by no means that all your runs should be and should feel easy, because often it does take grit and determination to get across the line. However, sticking to your pace and staying relaxed will definitely make for a more enjoyable journey to the finish.

But it’s trick. No one else is running your race. They don’t have your exact experience or journey, they don’t have the same goals as you. You and your run are unique and should be treated as such. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stats and diminish what may have felt like an incredible run simply because it wasn’t as fast or far as sally on Instagram. BUT, running is a beautiful experience and no numbers or medals can compare to the way that running feels. If you conquer your own goal, whether it’s running for 2 minutes or 200 miles, that’s an achievement and that’s all that counts! 

If you’re running at Hackney Moves festival, we’d love to see you down at the fitness tent at 11am and 2pm where we’ll be coaching our epic signature classes. And if you are an avid runner or you’re keen to get started, our Strides run club is back! Starting again on the 5 June, join Max on Mondays at 6:30pm. It’s accessible for all levels and we’d love to see you down there!