Simple Racing & Running Tips to Give You That Extra Edge

"You have to have the sheer arrogance [and confidence] to believe you can run your distance faster than anyone else....and then you have to have the humility to actually go out and do it."

Herb Elliot, 1960 Olympic Champion and world-record setter in the 1500m

Sometimes all it takes to beat your competition is 2 seconds faster per mile, or one short surge, or 5 steps that are faster than theirs.....things that are easy and simple to do. Want to beat your competition? Want to run faster? Try these super simple tricks next time you are out on a run; they aren't only good for races. In fact, practice makes perfect so you should definitely be trying them out on your runs!

Don't stare at the ground. Keep your head up and your eyes focused in front of you. Your body will go where your eyes are looking, so if they are looking down you aren't letting yourself be pulled forward.

To pass someone, focus on the center of their back and pretend you are reeling them in, like a fish. It will make it easier to catch up to and pass them.

Accelerate around the corners/turns. It doesn't have to be a huge acceleration, just a short 5-10 step speed up. It will put a ton of distance between you and your competitors without them realizing what just happened. This also will help to break them down mentally. This same tactic goes for the top of hills.

Don't tune out and let your mind wander. This is fine to do if you are on a nice easy recovery run, but if you are racing or trying to get faster you must keep your mind alert to your body. Check in with your body every few minutes and see how its doing. Are you breathing right? Check your form, how is it doing? Remember to stay relaxed and focused. You ARE strong and you CAN do it. The faster you run the faster you're done.

What are techniques or tricks you use to give you that extra edge?

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