8 ways to improve your running...

It may just be the abundance of unconventional lifestyles in Asheville, but I’m noticing more and more of my running friends eschewing the traditional racing scene for pursuits off the beaten path.

Doesn’t the sand between your toes as you walk the shoreline at the beach feel good? Or how about the feeling of a well-groomed lawn massaging your feet? Even just removing a pair of hot shoes after a long day of work can be refreshing. Sometimes it just feels good to go without shoes. But does such a statement apply to running? As with many things, as long as it is done in moderation and with good judgment, it can.

Being nervous before a race is only natural and can even be a good thing. However, too much in the way of pre-race jitters can stand in the way of good performance. Fortunately, there are some things that can be done to minimize anxiety and prepare the mind and body for competition. All you need to do is remember a simple acronym conveniently derived from the word RACE.

If you are serious about your quest for fitness, then proper nutrition and rest have to become a part of your training routine. After years of hard training, it was these two vital elements that finally took my own racing to another level.

It’s quite simple, really: Periodization will make you a stronger, faster runner. Periodization is a goal-oriented approach that allows the endurance athlete to peak at the right time, ensuring the best possible approach. ?