Five Jogging Mistakes You Should Avoid

Jogging should be very beneficial and stress-free for people who want to lose weight or just stay in shape. However, some runners make mistakes that transform this enjoyable activity into an not so pleasant experience.

The first mistake that runners make is related to their shoes. Even if it may be hard to give up those comfortable, broken-in shoes, runners should replace them every 300-400 miles.

Also, the shoes need to fit properly so that runners avoid hip, knee, and joint problems.

Another mistake that runners are tempted to make is to start a race at a faster pace. Even if they start the race with excitement and anticipation, somewhere along the way they may hit a wall and lose energy. The best way to avoid crashing is to start slower than usual.

This way, runners have enough energy to finish off strong.

Runners can also avoid injuries if they don`t overstride. Overstriding is when you land on your heels. This type of stride is believed to increase speed, but actually it slows you down. The best way to correct this running mistake is not to lunge forward with the feet.

Runners should also pay attention to the amount of fluids lost during the workout. Many need to hydrate themselves before, during, and after the workout. The general rule during a workout is to drink 6-8 ounces of water or sports drink every 20 minutes.

Overtraining is one mistake that runners tend to do quite often. No matter if you`re training for a race or you`re focused on a personal goal, overtraining usually leads to injuries and burnout. In order to avoid overtraining, runners may increase the weekly mileage with only 10 percent or take a day off  after a harder run so the muscles have enough time to recover.

Always remember to ask for medical advice before starting any diet or fitness program.