Finally I can post on my blog. I was having some issues for a couple of days. So when I left everyone last week I had just finished another 5k with my BAM girls. Love these two so much!!
 Well this weeks running has been pretty enjoyable with the cooler temperatures. I completed a 6 mile run on Sunday and on Tuesday. I have an 11 mile run tomorrow that will be taking place at 5 am. Oh Boy!! I better start hydrating now.

So this week my running schedule increased the number of miles I am supposed to be doing. With this increase has come ,increased pain in my knee, hip and feet. This made me really start thinking about whether or not I am running properly. Pain is not a normal side effect from running. If I was running correctly I would not or should not be having pain in the places that I am.
I started researching running techniques and the most common mistakes. Out of the top 5 mistakes most runners make I was doing three of them. That is a lot of mistakes to be making when your training for a marathon. So here is a list of the top 5 most common mistakes new runners make:

1. Wrong shoes- This is a huge mistake made by runners that could result in injury. Making sure you have proper fitting shoes is essential to proper running and preventing injury. Also runners should replace their shoes every 350-500 miles.

Mizunos have been a great choice for me, they are light on my feet and give me the support I need. They have been a little piece of heaven on my feet.

1.  Improper running technique- Your running form is very important, making sure you have the proper form with also help prevent injuries and soreness. Making sure you run with your shoulders back and your back straight allows for proper lung expansions. Slouching and bending over does not allow you to get the oxygen you need. Also making sure you not tightening your core is important as well. This allows for proper movement of your pelvis to move properly and can decrease the pain in your knees.
2. Too much, too soon- Most new runners make the mistake of thinking more is better when it comes to mileage and running. This is a common mistake that could lead to injury as well. I know from experience this could cause shin splints, runners knee and ITB Syndrome. ITB Syndrome is what causes the pain in the outer area of your knee. It is very painful! Make sure to start slow and give your body time to adjust.
3. Over striding- Most new runners make the mistake of thinking that longer strides  means better running. This is not true, making sure your feet land directly under your hip is key.  This is a waste of energy and could cause shin splint. Trust me you do not want those. They are painful and can 3-6 months to heal .
4. Improper upper body form-  a very common mistake that many runners make is swinging their arms side to side. This could lead to slouching, which  leads to inefficient breathing. Slouching does not allow your lungs to expand properly. Keep your arms at hip level and move them back and forth.