Speedy hacks and simple solutions to transform your running forever

Words: Louise Pyne

Slipping on a pair of trainers and heading out for a run can be the best energy booster to improve your day. The rush of endorphins, the energising jolt you get as the cool breeze hits your face and the relief as your worries start to melt away with each footfall. There really is no better way to escape the day-to-day stresses of life than running. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to experiment in order to keep your routine fresh.

Doing the same thing day in day out however can make your training routine become stagnant and, before you know it, you’re stuck in a running rut. “Going through peaks and troughs in your running training is completely normal and having days, even weeks when you are just not feeling it, does not mean the end of your love aff air with pounding the pavements or taking on the trails.

“The chances are you will be out of your running dip before you can say ‘see you at the start line’. But if you find you still feel as though your running is plateauing, there are plenty of things you can do to help run yourself back on track”, reassures personal trainer and Couch to 10K coach, Nicole Wright. Here we share the top quick fixes to boost your running.

Buy a new pair of socks

It’s easy to flake on your running schedule. But now the mornings are brighter and the weather is warming up, getting out of bed and lacing up your trainers first thing doesn’t have to be the massive chore it was during winter.

Laying out your kit the night before is one of the best ways to get motivated in the morning. “The idea is to inspire you as soon as you wake up, or at least make it as difficult as possible to avoid or forget your good intentions to get up and go.

From your undies and socks, to hat and gloves, you could even unlace your trainers to make everything as easy as possible. This means when the alarm goes off, you can be up, dressed and out in under 10 minutes”, advises Nicole Wright. There is no rooting around for a missing sock or a clean t-shirt. You don’t have to think about anything, as you sorted out everything the night before.