How to Run Faster: 7 Tips to Improve Your Running
By Catalogs Editorial Staff
Whether you’re hitting the treadmill, pavement, or trail we have some great tips to improve your speed. We have also created a list of exercise catalog recommendations for everything from running shoes and clothes to the best running gear. Remember how difficult it was to run that first full mile without stopping? Maybe you chanted to yourself, “One more step. One more step”. You’ve gotten over the first hump and began to build endurance, but you’re tired of always being the last one in.
“How do you get faster in running?” is a question asked by almost every runner because pace plateaus when all focus is placed on building endurance. Now it’s time to change your tune from the “one more step” channel to “Run faster. Faster. Faster.” Here’s how.
1. The First Step to Running Faster is to Set a Realistic Goal
![How to Run Faster](https://lb.catalogshub.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/run4jpg-225x300.jpg)
You may surprise yourself and improve quicker than expected, but don’t set yourself up to fail by making the goal too ambitious. Set a realistic goal like running a mile 20 seconds faster than the last time, and shave time from there.
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2. Change Your Mind Set
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The answers to how do you get faster in running is about toughening your mental state and your body.
3. Fartleks (Swedish for Speed Play)
![Fartleks to increase running speed](https://lb.catalogshub.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/run5jpg-225x300.jpg)
The next time you run, increase your pace in spurts. Forget about how fast and far you’re going, and get in tune with your body. Slow down when it feels uncomfortable. Do about 5 spurts during two runs a week and your body will begin to feel comfortable with a quicker pace.
After spending a few weeks working casual fartleks into your workout, try to add more structure. One way to do this, According to Runner’s World, is to run hard for 1 minute, then easy for 2, and repeat for about 21 minutes. This enables you to continuously push your limits in safe increments.
4. Take Smaller Steps and More of Them
![Improve running stride to run faster](https://lb.catalogshub.com/library/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/run2jpg-300x225.jpg)
Count the number of steps you take in one minute. Make a conscious effort to increase your steps per minute by one-third.
5. Head for the Hills
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Choose running trails that have a few hills and run quicker on these segments. Also, add a few 30-second, then 60-second hill sprints once a week.
6. You Want to Know How to Run faster? Cross-Train
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Incorporate jumping rope and other plyometrics into your strength training about once a week. Bounce on one foot, then the other, and then both, trying to get higher each time. Jump from a lunge or squat position and land on the opposite foot position.
7. Upgrade your running Gear
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or pro, upgrading your gear can be the inspiration you need to work harder towards your goal. Let’s face it, there is nothing like a new pair of running shoes or a great piece of tech clothing to motivate you! Here are a few of our favorite catalogs for you to check out with great running gear and exercise equipment.
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As you play with the routine, stay consistent with your frequency and mileage so you don’t unintentionally take steps back. There’s nothing a runner loathes more than backtracking.