1. Hold Your Head Up High
Hold your head high and look straight ahead when you're running. This will open up your breathing passages and lungs so you can maximize your air intake. Keeping your head up also helps you look out for passing cars, stop signs and other obstructions that you need to see to be safe when you run.
2. Take a Deep Breath
Keep your breathing even and regular when you run to avoid shortness of breath and make your running pattern smooth and easy. Don't breathe quickly. Pace yourself so your breaths are as even as your running stride. Breathe in deeply through your nose, counting slowly as you fill your lungs. Breathe out through your mouth and make sure to count to the same number to keep your breathing regular and natural.
3. Move to the Rhythm
Maximize your workout when you run by moving your arms and hands along with your legs and feet. Keeping everything moving will increase your momentum, help you burn more calories and condition the top half of your body as much as the lower half. Once you establish an even running stride that you're comfortable with, swing your arms in time with your feet and get a full-body workout.
4. Pick Those Feet Up
Shuffling your feet when you run is about as effective as closing your eyes when you dance; it won't get you anywhere. Pick your feet up all way off the ground when you run and bring them straight back down so your feet land directly under your hips. Make sure that you continue to do so all the way to the end of the run. Making yourself pick up your feet even when you're getting tired builds endurance and stamina, not to mention making your running shoes last a lot longer.
5. Make Your Legs Do the Work
Your legs are the most important part of making your run successful and enjoyable. Bend your legs at the knees and lift them high instead of running with them straight like you're walking. Take full strides in front of you and enjoy the feel of the ground under you. If your legs get tired or start to burn, push yourself to finish instead of stopping. Let your legs work together with your feet and your run will be much more fun.
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