67 Ways to Run Better Right Now

Golden rules, expert tips and hard-won wisdom from coach and multi-distance athlete Robbie Britton

- By Robbie Britton

01-22

With a running CV that covers road and trail, from 5K all the way to 24-hour races and multi-day adventures - together with a 1:09 half marathon, sub-2:30 marathon, and World and European bronze medal-winning, 261km 24-hr best - Robbie Britton has a wealth of running wisdom. And with a master's degree in performance coaching and over a decade of experience helping runners from beginners to international elites, he has a talent and passion for sharing it. In his new book, 1001 Running Tips, he's pulled together "the best bits of advice I've been given or learned through blood, sweat, and tears". Over the following pages, Robbie shares some of the best of the best, to help you get more from your kays today, tomorrow and with every step, you take on your running journey.

01 Always remember that whatever pace you run and whatever surface you run on, if you want to call yourself a runner, that's all that matters. Unless you're just walking; then you're a walker, and that's okay too.

02 Smile - you'll run faster. It works for Eliud Kipchoge. Of course, that may not be the only factor in his rather impressive career.

03 Before you think about shoes, get some good socks. It's something many scrimp on, but it's a false economy. Cheap socks will fall apart quicker, smell worse, and can cause blisters and sweating.

04 Longer isn't always better. You might get more kudos for finishing a 100-kay race, but reaching your potential over a shorter distance can be just as satisfying.

05 It's worth taking a sensible progression through the distances and starting with some shorter races. There's no shame in focusing on 5K to get your PB down before moving to 10K. Just because a friend is running 160km, it doesn't mean you have to do a marathon to catch up.