Do you have a long-run marathon scheduled for the upcoming week and don’t know how to run with a backpack in the race? If yes, you might need a few quick and easy tips so that you can perform better.
Running is a challenging cardio exercise that burns many calories fastly. And when running with a backpack, it becomes harder and more complex. But let me tell you something interesting. Running while carrying a backpack will make you fitter and more robust. It is a sort of weight training where you are running with weights in a backpack.
Some people prefer to run with a backpack to challenge their traditional running technique. They want to make their back and core more strengthened. According to research, running with a backpack improves your speed performance when you usually run.
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Some Essential tips on how to run with a backpack
Tip 1: Pick The Most Suitable Backpack
The first and foremost tip is to pick a suitable backpack for running. Not all backpacks are designed for running. You have to keep in mind the critical requirements when shopping for a rucksack.
Firstly, always remember bulky and heavy bags are a big ‘NO.’ They have large shoulder straps and ample storage. Such backpacks will keep swinging on your back while you run. Therefore, The straps won’t perfectly fit your shoulders, and your stuff will keep bumping up and down.
So, the solution is to buy a lightweight and size-adjustable rucksack. Moreover, if you are going to run for many kilometres, you will need a pack with breathable mesh-padded shoulder straps that will allow airflow. Similarly, it should have a sternum strap and a hip belt, too, so that the backpack snugs in your back tightly. Should prefer water-resistant and durable material. Testing is extremely important. You have to test the pack according to your height, weight and gender and then pick the most suitable one.
Tip 2: Keep It Slow And Short
You might have heard ‘slow and steady wins the race.’If it’s your first day running with weights in a backpack, you can go a little light because you don’t want to damage your spinal cord the very first day. Carrying excessive weight without proper technique and training will cause muscle soreness and strain. Hence, gradually increase the weight like adding dumbbells or heavy books. The more muscular you will get, carrying weight will become more manageable.
Similarly, it would be best to start with slow walks to warm up for at least 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, walk fastly and maintain a moderate speed for like 90 seconds. Keep increasing your running pace slowly and maintain for 30 seconds then. Lastly, come back to the average speed and keep repeating this pattern of slow, fast running.
Tip 3: Pack Your Backpack Tightly
Likewise, the weight has to be tightly packed in the backpack or else you will find it bouncing all the way while you run. Besides the weights, you also have to make proper space for water bottles, towels, snacks and some other essentials. Accurately pack your backpack so that it fits in your back and doesn’t cause bruising. Hence, an ideal backpack you can run with should be tightly packed, containing an adequate weight load.
Tip 4: Strengthen Your Back
If you are planning to run with a backpack, your sore body won’t be able to bear the muscle stress the first day. You will end up having a horrible week with all your muscles spasming.
Experts say that strength training before a run pack is immensely important. It will build your back muscles and make them stronger. Start practising on how to run with a backpack before two weeks of your race at least. For more promising results, do some weight training and high-calorie burn agility.
Tip 5: Focus On The Right Technique
If you stay highly focused on your running technique, the entire experience will be super-adventurous and less hectic.
In a run pack, you deal with weight load, which puts stress and tension on your legs. Try to take short steps as long steps will make you loosen stamina very early. Don’t slump forward, as it will reduce your speed. Try your best to put force on the ground and not forward.
Tip 6: Rest And Recover
Rest is extremely important for your muscles to recover and repair. If you don’t give adequate rest and sleep, your body won’t function properly on the final day. Good 8-hour sleep is essential for any athlete for his/her mental, physical and psychological health. When you exercise, your muscles cramp due to a lack of oxygen. A good routine of sleep and meditation will replenish your muscle tissues with glycogen responsible for providing energy supplies while running.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Good To Run With A Backpack?
If you are a professional athlete or gym trainee, then running with weights in a backpack is very useful for you. This is a strengthening exercise that makes your back and core more substantial and will make your legs more powerful. When you run without a backpack, you will notice an unprecedented increase in your speed and refinement of your technique.
Does Running With a Backpack Burn More Calories?
If you will run carrying a backpack, it is more likely to burn more calories than regular running. Research tells that running with a backpack consumes more energy from your body, thus burning more calories.
Is It Bad To Run With a Backpack?
It is not bad but can be dangerous and damaging for your joints if you are not used to it. You can’t run with weights in your backpack the very first day, or else you will cry the whole night in muscle pain and cramps. So, first, get accustomed to normal running. Make a routine to run daily for at least 30 minutes. Then, gradually put weight in your backpack, starting with the lightest.
Does Running With A Weighted Backpack Build Muscle?
Indeed. Running with a weighted backpack is a form of weight training that will enhance your strength and endurance, leading to increased muscle mass.
Also Read: How To Wear A Sling Backpack-5 Best Styles
Conclusion:
After a lot of research and analysis, I have highlighted all the basic rules you should know about how to run with a backpack. Please read them carefully and refine your adjustments. Pick the best rucksack and make it your most incredible travel partner. Don’t hesitate and start practising for your upcoming marathon. It is undoubtedly a tiring experience but will be worthy of all your hard work once you start seeing outstanding results.
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