Running tip of the day.........

BrianSharpe

Practice smiling while you run. It may not make you a better runner but you'll be more photogenic in your race pictures!

sjohnny

I've actually found that it does improve my running :laugh:

After all, 90% of running is 50% mental/psychological so it only makes sense if you work on smiling you're subconsciously feeling happier/better and your running should improve.

I know that when I'm starting to drag I'll try to think of something that makes me smile and it puts a little spring back in my step.

plateaued

Chant "duration over intensity." it works when the 20-somethings streak past me at 9 minute miles.

BrianSharpe

Chant "duration over intensity." it works when the 20-somethings streak past me at 9 minute miles.

We need a "like" button! :laugh:

RunnerInVT

My dad used to tell me that running looked so hard because no one looks happy while doing it. Im much more apt to smile when cars pass because I want people to know I like it and they should try it!
youre right too...watch out for the cameras! Ive had too many ugggly pics I wont buy!

prdavies1949

Chant "duration over intensity." it works when the 20-somethings streak past me at 9 minute miles.

Hey that's ageist, I'm 64 and I can run 9 min miles, 5k in 27:36 this morning. The advise on smiling is great though.

amandamurdaugh

I always remind myself to smile when the going gets tough. It actually does help me. I also have a mantra that says "laugh at the absurdity of it all.."

KathleenMurry

I always think of Gebrselassie when I run and try to channel him. That guy runs at 100% with a grin ear-to-ear. So admirable.

KathleenMurry

Yup....here he is!

twinmom_112002

I will remember both those tips tomorrow as I am running in the fog advisory at the Surf City 10.

KyleB65

I've actually found that it does improve my running :laugh:

After all, 90% of running is 50% mental/psychological so it only makes sense if you work on smiling you're subconsciously feeling happier/better and your running should improve.

I know that when I'm starting to drag I'll try to think of something that makes me smile and it puts a little spring back in my step.

Two thumbs up!

I think it's important to enjoy the experience of running. A smile is a great first step!

lporter229

If you dread running up hills, break them down mentally into segments. Tell yourself "I just need to run to that tree", then when you get to the tree, pick another marker and run to it. Before you know it, you are at the top of the hill!

HornedFrogPride

If you fall (and you will if you run enough), get back up and run (as long as nothing is broken).

QuincyChick

Practice smiling while you run. It may not make you a better runner but you'll be more photogenic in your race pictures!

Love it. There's a pic in my profile of that!

davemunger

Also, keep your head up. Similar effect. Really does work!

CarsonRuns

Also, keep your head up. Similar effect. Really does work!

That's an interesting comment and keeping the head up is something I forget to mention. I notice that, when I start to get tired, my head kind of sags forward and off to the right. I noticed this during a hard tempo run one day. I was late into the workout and my pace was falling off a little bit and I was feeling it. I lifted my head straight, and my pace came back down as well as my perceived effort. I think it's because, even if it's every so slight, hanging my head like that restricted airflow to my lungs. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

__Di__

Also, keep your head up. Similar effect. Really does work!

I dunno, with some of the pavements round my way, there is a possibility I may go *kitten* over tit if I don't watch the ground :laugh:

Cheval13

I always think of Gebrselassie when I run and try to channel him. That guy runs at 100% with a grin ear-to-ear. So admirable.

Agree!

Cheval13

"Also, keep your head up. Similar effect. Really does work!"

Yes! And Carson, your theory about it isn't that far off. When you're tired at the end of your run, it's common to slump over a little, which can lead to neck, shoulder, and lower-back pain because you're losing the alignment of support from those areas. After my first marathon, my upper back hurt more than my legs due to the severe loss of form I had, which included setting my head back into my shoulders and soldiering through.
Also, aiming ones eyes for 10-20 feet in front of one helps keep one focused on what's on the ground without losing form.
But above all, smile.

Cooriander

Great tip, and I love the pick! I will try to raise up more and think about posture. I read a while back that just thinking about posture, and form helps. I tried that on my first half, and it seems to have worked.

GiddyupTim

Thanks, Brian. I think I got this. I am pretty happy when I am running.