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Top Running Tips of the Year: Training Ideas You Loved

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When it comes to training there are always going to be things that work for someone that don’t work for you, but these top running tips are the things you’ve been searching for most and the articles you’ve messaged me that made a difference!

N=1 is the scientific way of saying we’re all an experiment of one.

Just because the Hanson method worked for your best friend and running in the dark saves your bosses sanity doesn’t mean they’re required for you.

Top Running Tips of the Year

These must read running articles answer lots of training questions and serve up extra motivation for your new year of goals, dreams and running because we can.

As always, hit me up if you have questions about anything you haven’t yet seen on RTTF!Top Running Tips - running tips for new runners, running tips for long distance, running meme's and running motivation

Are you ready for this?

From funny to functional, you guys loved a wide variety of running topics this year!

1. Running Meme’s

We laugh as friends mock our desire to spend hours hoofing it “farther than they drive”, but the truth is we know we’re a little bit crazy.

And even though we pretend otherwise, we secretly embrace our culture of pushing just a little too far for no particular reason.

These meme’s, Instagram images and quotes are some of the best I’ve seen lately to give us all a much needed laugh and reminder that we are indeed special.hilarious runner meme's

On  day you need a laugh see which running meme is most you >>

2. Best IT Band Stretches

In 2017, I finally released the 75 page Ultimate Solution to IT Band ebook and you guys have been swearing by it, which makes this runner hear grow 10 sizes.

One of the things featured in that ebook are some of the best stretches you can do to help relieve a tight IT Band. Stretches to help prevent or alleviate IT Band Pain - a great look at some poses you may not have tried before, IT Band stretches, IT Band pain reliefGet these IT Band stretches now >>

3. Working Out but Gaining Weight

Why on Earth does your weight go up after a long run?

How could you be doing more and weighing more?

First, let’s just clear up that muscle does not weight more than fat! 1lb=1lb. But it does take up less space and perhaps your workouts are breaking down your muscles causing some weight gain (breakdown to grow!)

Learn more about why you gain weight after hard workouts.

4. Before Your First Half

Ever look back and think, “ahh if only I’d known“? Sometimes I’m glad I don’t know what I’m getting in to when it comes to running…

On the other hand, over the years I’ve learned a few things that would have saved me a lot of angst, injuries and time. Since many of you have been sending in questions about how to have your best race, I thought they might be helpful!18 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My First Half Marathon - running lessons, half marathon training

Read the full 18 Tips for Running Your First Half Marathon>>

5. Best Virtual Races

I really never thought one of my top running tips would revolve around virtual racing, but that’s what 2020 gave us and of course no one is sure what to expect going forward.

It turns out you can find some great motivation with a virtual race, especially if you make it part of a doing something with a friend. Our Virtual Run Club did a group 5K and it truly helped us all push harder knowing others were out there doing it!

Best virtual races – whether you want a medal or not>>

6. Race Sign Ideas

Nothing about being a race spectator is easy.

The credit usually goes to those on the course, but a lot has to be said for the friends, family and volunteers who get up at dark o’ thirty to stand around for hours. For those excellent spectators here are sign ideas from funny to motivational to match your spot on the course.Marathon race sign ideas - click for 50 more ideasGet 50 Race Spectator Sign Ideas (funny to motivational) >>

7. Low Heart Rate Marathon Training

With plenty of time for base building, a TON of you got excited to learn more about LHR. Finally understanding how to implement easy runs for maximum benefits.

I’ve answered so many questions and of course our Virtual Run Club is filled with LHR runners meaning ongoing support and answers to help continue making progress.

Learn more about Low Heart Rate Training >>

8. Eating Plant Based for Performance

Turns out TONS of you are looking for ways to eat a more plant based diet this year! It’s all about upping the nutrition, decreasing inflammation, cutting out known allergens like dairy and enjoying your food.

This post includes recipe ideas for every single meal of the day and additional resources. Plant Based Sports Nutrition - plant based recipe ideas

Read how to transition from a fully meat diet and get some recipes!

I’m not sure anything makes me happier than to see someone sharing an article because they got something useful from it! I’ve been at this a long time and it’s not always easy to tell when articles are truly helpful because we zip through and rarely comment anymore.

MASSIVE thanks to all who have shared, commented and read this year!!

Ready to take your training up a notch in 2021? Must read #running tips Click To Tweet

9. All the Running Gear

A few more of the articles that got your attention (turns out you had some gear questions!):

  • Brooks Vs Asics running shoes
  • Suunto vs Garmin
  • Best Running Jackets
  • Best Reflective Running Gear

10. Coaches Choice

Because I have to call out a few of my favorite running tips, even if they didn’t hit the big time…

  • How Your Cycle Effects Training
  • How to fuel a half marathon
  • How to pace a marathon
  • Improve running cadence

What would you like to learn about in 2018?

Will your training change next year?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram: RunToTheFinish

Facebook: RunToTheFinishRunning_motivation_thumb

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Posted by amanda Categories: running coach

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alisa Fleming says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    I have a post request for 2017! I have a strange problem with with chronic muscle pulling. I’d love to know more about the dynamics of muscle pulls / strains, imbalance issues, and what really works for prevention and healing. Okay, it may be a few posts :)

    • amanda says

      January 3, 2017 at 10:49 am

      Yeahhhhh thank you for a fabulous idea, not yeah for your injuries :)

  2. Jenn says

    January 3, 2017 at 9:04 am

    So much good info here! I need to read the treadmill tips as that’s where I’m usually running.

  3. Meg @ With Salt and Wit says

    January 3, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    This is great advice! I know what tips I am going to be following on my next run! Thank you for sharing!

  4. Shriya says

    January 4, 2017 at 5:59 am

    Yeah! Great idea, I am treadmill runner, I am gonna implement these tips.

  5. Austin Armstrong says

    January 4, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this article! There are unfortunately so many myths about fitness and people performing exercises completely wrong, that not only will impact the potential but can hurt them! I wrote a similar article about fitness myths and tips that I would love to get your opinion on if you have a second? http://therapycable.com/blog/fitness-myths-and-tips.html regardless, thank you again for this amazing article!

  6. Vicky says

    January 8, 2017 at 6:08 am

    I always love your article. It is especially good for a runner as mine. After reading your sharing, i have a lot of knowledge about running anymore. Thanks!

  7. Wendy Hammond says

    December 21, 2017 at 6:26 am

    great roundup! I am off to check out a few that I missed somehow this year :-)

    • amanda says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Wendy!! Happy holidays!

  8. Emily Swanson says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Loved your post on the Runner’s Nod; that was probably one of the most special to read.

    I’m not sure about training for a race next year, but I’m pondering the idea of a half marathon. If so, I hope to come to your blog for resources. MERRY CHRISTMAS Amanda! :)

  9. Angie - Asphalt & Trail says

    December 26, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    I am totally loving these tips especially the stretches for when you’re sitting all day! I work in an office and this is the bane of my existence. I can’t wait until we get the standing desks. :)

    • amanda says

      December 27, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      Yes, I LOVE having a standing desk now. But it’s all about the stretching

  10. MCM Mama Runs says

    December 26, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    All great topics. Thanks for joining the link up.

  11. Amanda says

    December 30, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    There is so much information shared here and I love it! I too am interested in women’s fitness, and am getting into the blogging niche myself. This has inspired me to work even harder to bring as much information to women as possible to help them achieve their goals! Please consider looking at http://www.skinnygirlsfitness.com and let me know any ways I can improve! Thank you!

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Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and running coach. I’ve been coaching over a decade and distance running since 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

 

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About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

Popular Posts on RunToTheFinish

  • Piriformis Syndrome Exercises: Alleviating a Pain in the Butt
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  • T25, P90X3, PiYo – Can it Improve Your Running? Complete Comparison

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Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
SHARE THE ONE that resonates most with you. 🏃‍♀️🏃🏾🏃🏽‍♂️
 
It’s true, I’ll never stop talking about the warm up 😂. But right now the idea that running is HOPEFUL really strikes a chord.💜
 
We show up mile after mile always looking to what’s ahead and what’s possible.
 
Which one hits home for you?
.
.
.
#runningmotivation #runninginspiration #medalmonday #fitnessmemes #runningmemes #runningquotes #runnerslife #runnerlife
AVOID HITTING THE WALL (save this and review befor AVOID HITTING THE WALL (save this and review before races) -AKA  Bonking. UK friends giggle at that, but it’s a term just like fartlek.
.
It’s that painful moment when your mind tells your legs to stop and it feels like there’s nothing you can do to turn the tides. It leaves emotional scars!🥵
 
WHAT TO DO!
1️⃣Train differently - seems obvious, but consistent training that follows a plan which progressively and smartly builds your miles and strength and speed...ya it works.
 
2️⃣Fuel, fuel, fuel - force yourself to eat before races and long runs even if not hungry.
.
Starting fueling sooner than you think you need to and keep doing it. During races your body is running on more carbs and needs that steady flow of energy. 
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🧠 Your brain functions on CARBS, stop depriving it or it will tell you to stop running. If food while running is an issue for you, checkout something like @genucan.
 
3️⃣Pacing - Stop going out too fast because you’re excited, it absolutely catches up to you. Ideal is even pacing start to finish.
 
4️⃣Pay attention to your brain. @fitzgerald.matt in How Bad Do You Want it does a great job of showing how the brain can limit performance if you don’t know what’s happening up there.
 
5️⃣Recover better - Stop over training and give your body tools to help it destress from all the work...the best one is SLEEP. I also love @resiliencecbd to help with nerves prior to a race and quality sleep during training.
 
❓❓Helpful?? Have more race day questions?? Or an epic story of hitting the wall?? I wanna know.❓❓
.
.
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Thanks to @moxie82co for capturing this weird moment, it worked great for this post.
HIT THOSE HIPS!!! I’ve given you a couple hip mo HIT THOSE HIPS!!! I’ve given you a couple hip mobility workouts, now we add strength!
//
🥳For the next 30 days in the Virtual Run Club we’ll be going hard on all the pre-hab work for hips, glutes and abs. Because running isn’t just about the miles.
//
That’s one of the reasons I’ve been consistently doing @insidetracker bloodwork since 2015.
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It’s helped me identify low Vitamin D causing fatigue or catch my wayyy high cortisol to embrace easy runs as key part of the process.
📌 (Save this post because the last screen has a 25% off discount code and you can get free access to the 30 Day March Challenge.)
👉LINK IN BIO FOR BOTH
✅✅✅✅
3 CORE MOVES
|||
You can use these as a progression or do all three, they’ll target the hips, glutes and core in different ways with each variation.
 
Aim for 15 reps prior to a run or do multiple rounds as part of a workout!
 
1️⃣Side Plank Kneeling Hip Raise - Really focus on your core engaging to raise up and keeping your elbow under your shoulder.
 
2️⃣Side Plank Kneeling Leg Raise - Again core should be tight to keep hips lifted, not sagging towards the ground. Then focus on your hip and glute to raise the top leg.
 
3️⃣Straight Leg Side Plank Leg Raise - Engage the core to keep hips high and press the bottom foot in to the ground to really engage your glutes. Slow and steady to remain stable while raising and lowering top leg.
❓❓❓❓
Talk to me!!!
Who’s in for 10 min a day in March?
Who’s gotten blood work to improve their health?
Who’s excited it’s almost spring?
👉👉Me to all 3! And more info in stories!
 
 
 
#runtothefinish #insidetrackerpartner
RUN DAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS😊 I had training tips RUN DAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS😊 I had training tips planned to share today, but really just wanted to say I hope you get in some miles today and they make you smile.
 
Let go of the pace.
Let go of the distance.
Let go of HR for a day.
Just run.
We GET to.
 
Where in the world are you running today?
.
I’ll be embracing one warm day before snow here in Boulder, CO.
EMOJI POLL: Round or no? ⏰ give me whole numbers EMOJI POLL: Round or no?
⏰ give me whole numbers
👍wherever I stop, it stops
🙃I don’t use no stinking watch
||
THAT’S A LIE 😂. I can’t do it. I need the round number and when I get that close to a whole number...I need it!
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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy.

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