Running faster means working harder, and improvements obviously don't happen overnight. But if you're shooting for a PR, you could shave some seconds or maybe even minutes off your finishing time with smart strategies that have little to do with your fitness level. Whether you're doing a 5K or a marathon, here are some tips to try during your next race:
Run the tangents. Even though race courses are measured accurately, many racers run a longer distance (and therefore a slower finish time) by following every curve in the road. A tangent is a straight line that just touches a curve, so the concept of "running the tangents" is to run the shortest distance possible by running straight from one curve to the next.
Check your form. Every mile or so, check your running form from head to toe, so you can prevent wasting energy as a result of bad form. Look ahead (not down), keep your shoulders relaxed, arms swinging back and forth (not side to side), and your hands gently clenched. Keep your hips under your shoulders and make sure your stride is short, with your feet close to the ground.
Don't lose time at the start or water stops. Make sure you line up properly at the start, so you don't spend time and energy weaving around slower runners or walkers. At the water stops, don't stop at the first table -- it's always the most crowded. Go to a table towards the end and on the left-hand side, if there are tables on both sides of the street. (Most people are right-handed and naturally go to the tables on the right side.)
Study the course. Get as much information about the course as you can, so you'll know to pace properly or be prepared mentally for tough sections.
