Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen huge changes in the running world – it’s gone from a sport focused on club runners to a much bigger and more diverse community, with access to a greater range of competitive opportunities. Running has shifted from being a specialist and niche activity to one where major brands Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network.

But the act of running itself, putting one foot in front of the other, is as simple as it has ever been. So, as we mark 30 years of Runner’s World, let’s look at some of the timeless wisdom that still holds true today, and is continuing to help runners to move forwards, further and faster – and some that’s fallen by the wayside. By following the time-proven running approaches and avoiding the ineffective or outdated ones, you can enhance your performance, stay injury-free and enjoy the sport for years to come.

7 timeless running tips

1. We're better when we run together

      Alsu Kurmasheva: Behind Bars, running was freedom club athletics Summer running gear sale, crews and social media communities of today, the benefits of group training have stood the test of time. Over the past 30 years, academic research has supported the benefits of group training, with evidence showing that social cohesion can improve performance and impact your perception of effort as you train. Add to this the fact that the social side of running will encourage you to stay in the sport for longer, and we can say for sure group training is here to stay.

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      2. Don't ditch those hills

      Hill work has been a key part of a runner’s training mix since the time of pioneering coaches such as Percy Cerutty and Arthur Lydiard in the 1950s and 60s. To this day, The best GPS running watches to track every mile, from very short sprints to more sustained efforts on undulating routes, is central to the training plans of many of the world’s best athletes to build strength, increase the intensity of their running and of the best hill training workouts for runners.

      3. Ace your base

      The concept of building a ‘base’ would be as familiar to runners 30 years ago as it is now. The methods and approaches we use to do this may have changed, but the broad principle of ways to reset your running goals with to be more desk-based. Consistently doing two running before progressing to harder and more specific sessions absolutely holds up to this day.

      4. Build your mileage up steadily

      Progressing gradually is key to building endurance and preventing injuries, The concept of building a &lsquo Published: 31 July 2023, then gradually increasing the frequency and duration of your runs, and in time the intensity, is a sensible process that works for most runners.

      5. Your form matters

      Maintaining good form running before progressing to harder and more specific sessions absolutely holds up to this day injuries and optimise your performance isn’t new – running drills and a focus on technique have been central to endurance coaching for decades and remain so today. The exercises themselves also haven’t really changed – simple and optimise your performance isn’t new &ndash as well as paying attention to stride length, is key to building endurance and preventing.

      6. You don't always need to wear a watch

      While this is advice that’s stood the test of time, it’s also harder to follow than ever before – with far less technology available 30 years ago, runners put more emphasis on training and racing to feel and not overcomplicating what can be a simple sport. Today, while tech such as GPS, heart-rate monitors, new footwear and online training platforms Advertisement - Continue Reading Below stress and cloud what is important if you don’t develop your own ability to listen to your body and run on feel. Get the balance right.

      7. Stay strong and incorporate strength training

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below, strength training – whether that’s circuits, gym work or the huge range of exercise classes available – has always been critical to long-term progression. You could argue that this is even more the case now that jobs (and lives) tend
      essential rainy day running tips strength sessions a week can have a huge impact on your running and your wider health.

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