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10 Common Running Mistakes to Avoid

By Christine Luff, About.com

Updated: July 12, 2009

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Running Mistake #1: Wrong Shoes

All runners have made mistakes at some point during their training and racing. Here are some of the most common running mistakes and how you can avoid injuries and other issues.

The problem: Wearing old running shoes or wearing the wrong type of running shoes for your foot and running style can lead to running injuries.

The solution: Go to a running specialty shop, where knowledgeable salespeople can evaluate your running style and foot type. When they determine whether you're an overpronator, underpronator, or neutral runner, they'll make shoe recommendations for you.

Once you get the right pair of running shoes, make sure you replace them every 300-350 miles because the loss of cushioning can lead to injuries. About halfway through the life of your shoes, you might want to buy another pair to rotate into your runs. Your shoes will last longer when you allow them to decompress and dry out between workouts. Also, having a fresh pair of shoes as a reference will help you notice when your old ones are ready to be replaced.

More: Running Shoe Reviews and Recommendations
How to Care for Your Running Shoes

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