LAWSON’S LAWS

THREE WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR RUNNING EXPERIENCE

1. SWITCH OFF

For many runners, headphones are as essential as a pair of trainers and running is an exercise in blocking out discomfort. For Lawson, that’s missing the point.

“I would really recommend running without headphones or being plugged into anything,” he says. “The beauty of running is having that time to not be plugged in, and just be out in nature. You don’t get those benefits from many other forms of exercise. Keep it simple and enjoy the act of running.”

2. MOVE MORE

While your idea of recovery might be lying on the sofa and doing as little as possible before your next run, Lawson says that’s no good for your body.

“Movement aids recovery,” he says. “I think a lot of injury problems come from being too stationary. When I completely stop, it becomes harder for my body to function properly, so I do a lot of yoga and move as much as possible.”

3. KEEP RUNNING

If you’re serious about improving, a oncea-week 5k probably isn’t going to cut it.

“I wouldn’t consider myself any better than a lot of people at running, but I probably am better at being consistent,” says Lawson. “Once you are consistent, you will get to the point where longer distances feel easier and easier, and then it becomes enjoyable rather than hard work. You get those runner’s highs and those flow states, and running becomes so much more than physical exercise: mentally it can be so good for you as well.”