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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 Finisher Comments (14) 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 :)

    Reply
    • amanda says

      January 3, 2017 at 10:49 am

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

      Reply
  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.

    Reply
  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!

    Reply
  4. Shriya says

    January 4, 2017 at 5:59 am

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

    Reply
  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!

    Reply
  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!

    Reply
  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 :-)

    Reply
    • amanda says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Wendy!! Happy holidays!

      Reply
  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! :)

    Reply
  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. :)

    Reply
    • amanda says

      December 27, 2017 at 1:41 pm

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

      Reply
  10. MCM Mama Runs says

    December 26, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    All great topics. Thanks for joining the link up.

    Reply
  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!

    Reply

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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

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Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
PICK A SUPERMARKET SWEEP STORE?? If you could run PICK A SUPERMARKET SWEEP STORE?? If you could run through any fitness type store for 90 seconds and get to keep what you grab, what store???
//
Do you go @lululemon crazy? Remember you can only get 5 of one item? But mmm all my favorite run shorts are there...
.
Do you think big at @rei? Though I imagine it might take all 90 seconds to get that SUP back to the counter.
.
Me? I’d head in to @runnersroost! I mean running shoes are priority one, then tops and maybe a watch ya know!
//
Ok your turn!! Pick a store! #dreamreallyfreakingbig #supermarketsweep
LIFES A BEACH...except when it’s sand dunes next LIFES A BEACH...except when it’s sand dunes next to a mountain range. Then it’s just confusing 😂 and a hard, but awesome workout. 
.
Which feels exactly like my start to the year with running.
//
What emoji best describes your recent workouts??
🤦‍♀️Errr not happening
😀Doing what I can
👍Having fun, consistently sweating
🔥Fired up to achieve big things
//
While I had a good 10K time trial on the 2nd and I’m rocking some hard core workouts, I’m missing my longer runs. The legs just haven’t been feeling it though and I’ve been tired.
.
A good reminder to us all that when adding intensity and new strength, it’s ok not to be hitting big miles. I’ll keep building slow and steady.
//
Photo throwback from a visit to the Great Sand Dunes.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Do you look at those Buzzfeed WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Do you look at those Buzzfeed stories to see what childhood idols are doing now…this is my runner life version.
👇👇👇
Have you always loved running? Recently found it? Still trying to love it?🤔
//
🔴Guaranteed no one would have guessed I’d become a runner.
In fact, they flat out told me I was not a runner. I was athletic, but not a runner.
🟣By high school I only ran as punishment at practice or once a year when they timed us in the mile for PE.
//
🛹🛼On the flipside, stayed out late under the streetlights playing tag  for hours or I could joyfully go in circles around the yard with my big old Collie. 
.
FUN. IT WAS FUN!!!! 
.
💡Turns out that’s all it really took for me to like running. To find out that it could in fact be FUN:
👉to challenge myself
👉to see what I’m made of
👉to have time to think
👉to explore the world
✅and never worry about proving anything to anyone
//
I never would have imagined going from hating a mile to running 31 solo last year just because I wanted to see if I could 😂
MIND GAMES IN RUNNING are a tool every experienced MIND GAMES IN RUNNING are a tool every experienced runner has in their little pockets.
I’ll just got to that next sign 🛑, well maybe til my watch is a round number...ok, just 5 more minutes.
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We’re very good liars 😂because then we just say it again.
//
Those are always my favorites to get out the door or prevent myself from quitting on a run where I really have no good reason to stop.
.
But SAVE THESE mental training tips for a day you might need them:
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💜Go with the flow. Not every run is our best or fastest, stop trying to force it to be so and you’ll have more fun.
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💚Change the words you use. Stop saying you’re slow and not a runner and this is too hard and you are too busy. Those just confirm and cement the ideas, not help you move forward.
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🤍Embrace mistakes as the best way to have a great run or race in the future. 
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💙Acknowledge ALL of your progress. 1 extra push up? Awesome! 1 minute longer running? Awesome! Actually did all of your workouts for the week? Awesome. Stop waiting for race day to celebrate!!
//
❓❓What mental tricks do you have that help keep you training (especially this last year with races off the table for motivation)?
WELCOME TO THE CLUB 🥳 I’m not sure we’re th WELCOME TO THE CLUB 🥳 I’m not sure we’re the cool club, we might be the weird club...but we are definitely a club.
.
I’d still like to print membership cards as mentioned in my book.😂
//
👉Which of these speaks most to you as a runner??
//
I’m going with oversharing. There’s some cool science about how when we’re side by side we feel less threatened and therefore open up more to each other.
.
I can 100% say that friends who have gone on walks or runs with me know more than probably anyone else in my life!
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