Your goals are likely to vary in their magnitude. However, whether it is to make it one hundred metres further on your next run, or to take 10 minutes off your marathon time, goals are a necessary part of running. To become a faster runner is the customary primary aim. Goals ensure that you stay focused and committed to the training schedule that you have set yourself. While it's probably best to make your goal relatively difficult to attain, make sure that this does fall within the bounds of reality, i.e. not so optimistic that it is unrealistic.

2. Listen to Your Body

Injuries can creep up on you at any time. Being in tune with your body will allow you to sense that something may be amiss before a full-blown injury develops. This means that you can be discerning towards the part of your body that is letting you know that all may not be well (and therefore hopefully prevent this from becoming a real injury that will prevent you from running). After care is important too - e.g. icing a sore spot after running may be sufficient to prevent swelling. If this doesn't go away, a day or two off may be the necessary remedy to let the aches and pains subside. To become a faster runner, you need to be a discerning runner.

3. Run Your Own Race

It is important not to train or race at a pace that you are not comfortable with. Running a race is all about the pace that suits you - and nobody else - and it is this disciplined type of approach that will ultimately lead to you becoming a faster runner. So, for instance, running at your own pace is more important than staying with your running mate. In races, particularly marathons, running too hard in the beginning will make the second half of the race seem like an unceasing nightmare! Realistically - and while this may sound counter-intuitive it most certainly isn't - you can never run too steadily in the first part of any race. To become a faster runner, you need discipline and a sound game plan!