Start running and you’ll realise that running tips are a dime a dozen and runners aren’t shy to dole them out. You’ll get them when you ask for them, when you don’t ask for them and in the midst of a race. Some are solid (don’t do anything different before a big race); some ridiculous (taking painkillers on runs) and others really person dependant (eat more fat, eat more carbs).
The best tips come from your average runner who has learned valuable running tips through trial, error and running friends. To gather some great advice, we turned to 7 everyday runners to share their best running tip and what running means to them.
Andisa Gana
How long have you been running for?
I started taking running seriously in March after a friend convinced me to enter a race as a joke. We had been talking about entering a race for so long, but I was too nervous to do it. I had never pictured myself as a runner, so I didn’t know if this would be something I was capable of. In March, we ran our first race, a 15km along the Promenade in Green Point. After that race, the running bug bit me and I’ve been running in races ever since.
What is your favourite distance to run?
Half marathons will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first race I really trained for. I spent two months training for my first 21km and I really got to fall in love with running and got to see what I was capable of when I focused and pushed myself. With each half marathon I run, I get closer and closer to achieving my goal: running a sub 2-hour marathon. I only need to shave off 6 more minutes! 🙂
What is your best running tip?
“You don’t have to run the whole thing, just don’t stop moving.” I think what keeps a lot of people away from running is the idea that you must run an entire race at full speed and that you aren’t allowed to slow down. My tip is slow down if you need to, walk if you need to, just don’t stop moving. Eventually, you will get to the finish line!
Running is…
My time to focus. Whether I’m running a race, training or doing a few laps around my neighbourhood, I really value being able to shut the world out and focus on my feet hitting the ground. Often the world can get so stressful and running allows me to relax and focus on the task at hand.
Follow Andi on Instagram @andi_on_the_run
Shannon Foord
How long have you been running for?
I started running in November 2016, so I have been running for almost a year now. It all started with my first 5km Parkrun and then lead to me joining a running club early 2017.
What is your favourite distance to run?
My favourite distance so far has been 21km, it’s also the longest distance I have run. You train so hard to complete this half marathon and then when you finally reach that finish line you get the most elated feeling for achieving your goal.
What is your best running tip?
Listen to your body and be honest. This is a tip all my running friends I’ve made along the way have given me and it really is the best advice. Rest when you need rest, push further when you can push further, and slow down when you need to slow down. This is a lifestyle and you don’t want to injure yourself in the beginning.
Running is…
A life changing sport.
Follow Shannon on Instagram @shan_claire_za
Pieter-John Muller
How long have you been running for?
I started running as part of a new year’s resolution on the 2nd of January 2016. I am almost going for my 2-year runiversary.
What is your favourite distance to run?
It would be impossible to say an exact favourite distance, but I really enjoy my longer trail runs of 25km and up. I recently completed my first marathon trail run, and even though it was very tough, I am already looking forward to the next one.
What is your best running tip?
As I haven’t been running too long, I’m still learning myself, but the best advice I have ever received from someone and the best advice I can give is: Find yourself 3 running partners. Find someone who is faster, fitter and a much stronger runner than you, the person who (in running terms) you aspire to be. Learn from them. Next find someone on the same level as yourself, someone to train with, to progress with and to measure yourself against. Compete with them. The last person to find, is someone who looks up to you. Be an example to them. The most important part of running is to enjoy the amazing journey (physical and emotional) it takes you on, sometimes even if it is in a race, look around you for a minute, see and appreciate the amazing places running takes you, chat to the people around you as they are most likely going through the same pain as you.
Running is…
Absolute freedom.
Follow Pieter-John on Instagram @pjmuller_
Mpho Motaung
How long have you been running for?
I have been running for 4 years, I started in 2013, ran my 1st Comrades in 2015 and finished my 3rd this year 2017.
What is your favourite distance to run?
My favourite is a marathon (42.2km)
What is your best running tip?
Run your race, do not compete with anyone as you do not know the reason why they are running. You may find that someone is being chased by a lion and running for dear life, and you hop along without noticing the lion so you will end up being eaten because you will not run the same. So keep in your own lane.
Running is…
Life.
Follow Mpho on Instagram @mpho_bm
Wendy Mvinjelwa
How long have you been running for?
I started running at the end of my circus journey in 2011. I was a freshman in varsity looking for a new way to get in shape. It had been a year since I had stopped the circus. I have been running for approximately the last five years.
What is your favourite distance to run?
I enjoy a good 10 km run. By good I mean a mix terrain and a pace that is better than my last run.
What is your best running tip?
If you are not injured do not stop. If the reason for stopping is a lack of motivation try joining a new running club and participating in races. Races tend to motivate me to stay running while a running club always has other avid runners who challenge you to do your best. Do other training outside of running to make you stronger and for recovery; Rest and prioritise fuelling and nourishing your body.
Running is…
Trying your best, whatever that means to you.
Follow Wendy on Instagram @the.cape.gem
Anele Bans
How long have you been running for?
I was introduced to road running by a family friend in 2007 just after my matric year and I scooped a gold medal at my first race. That is when I realized I had potential and I also fell in love with running.
What is your favourite distance to run?
I’m more of a long distance runner so any distance from 15km, half Marathon, Marathon and a bit of ultra-distance running. Now my focus is more on obstacle course racing which ranges between 10km and 21km
What is your best running tip?
My tip for running is very simple if you want to better your run; whether you are a beginner or intermediate runner, dedicate yourself to those morning runs. Anything between 30 minutes to an hour every morning will really boost you amazingly. Trust me I’m talking from experience.
Running is…
Everything to me.
Follow Anele on Instagram @anele_bans24 or Facebook @anelebansOCR
Devon Basson
How long have you been running for?
My running journey started about 6 years ago.
What is your favourite distance to run?
I haven’t conquered enough marathons to say it’s my favourite distance just yet, so at this point distances between 30-35km are perfect.
What is your best running tip?
The greatest lesson I have learnt on my journey, has been the importance of listening to your body. We often push our bodies past the point we should when there is a goal in mind, but there will be plenty of opportunities. You only have one body so look after it while you can.
Running is…
A passion which connects us all, and you can’t help but be consumed by its beauty once you have truly experienced it.
Follow Devon on Instagram @devbasson
Ayesha Makim-Specker
How long have you been running for?
I have always run, since I was little. I grew up on a farm in Australia so there was no shortage of space.
What is your favourite distance to run?
The longer the better for me. I love a good Marathon and an Ultra. You learn so much about yourself during a marathon. Although, having said that I LOVE a quick 10km and a 21km is also a fave.
What is your best running tip?
REST. When you have a goal in site, a race it’s easy to loose sight and ignore your body in order do exactly what your training program says. Listening to your body is key. I have learnt that rest is also the best training. An extra rest day won’t hurt you.
Have your own to tip to share, do so in the comments below.
Running is…
Am incredible was to stay fit, healthy and meet amazing people. You can do it on your travels, all you need is your shoes, a watch (or not) and you’re good to go.
Follow Ayesha on instagram @ayeshiespecker or her blog ayesh.run
