How to Increase Running Mileage Safely

Whether you're just starting to prepare to run in your first 5K or you're in the middle of training for a marathon, learning how to run farther is a skill you'll use repeatedly for each new goal.

Unfortunately, many beginner and seasoned runners alike make the mistake of increasing their running mileage too quickly, resulting in either injuries or burnout. Increasing your mileage too quickly shocks your body because it has not had time to prepare to tolerate the sudden increase in activity.

Part of increasing mileage running safely should include using the AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece. This mouthpiece was developed by Dr. Dena Garner, a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. It has been perfected over 15 years of research and development with elite athletes and provides the most efficient way of opening the airway to optimize performance.

So how do I increase running mileage safely?

Many runners allow their motivation and excitement to take over when they start a new running program. No matter how you feel, the best way to increase your running distance is to do so gradually.

Most runners will have a base running distance. This could be 1 mile or it could be 8 miles, depending on where you are in your training cycle and your running history. Before you begin increasing your mileage, it's best to spend a couple of weeks running that base mileage each day.

After that, you can increase one run a week, the long run, by one or two miles each week. Remember that running farther will take more time, energy, and effort, and plan accordingly. It's also important to plan additional recovery time following your long run each week. That may mean a few extra hours or an extra day depending on your fitness level.

When you use the AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece, you are already a step ahead regarding recovery time, because it reduces cortisol buildup by up to 50%, which means you need less recovery time than you would training without the AIRWAAV mouthpiece.

You also have an easier time increasing your endurance with the AIRWAAV mouthpiece because using it properly reduces your respiratory rate by 20%, resulting in less lactic acid production. This gives you more energy for running longer distances. Still, it's important to build up your running mileage gradually.

How does the mouthpiece work to increase running endurance?

The AIRWAAV Endurance Performance Mouthpiece is made of our patented Vistamaxx material, which is a hydrophobic fitting material designed to keep the mouthpiece in place during vigorous workouts. The bite plate is designed to absorb the gentle biting of athletes clenching during high-stress exertion.

The form-fitting bars stemming from the bite plate ensure a secure lockdown fit, ideal for going long distances. The intake bar fits on the inside of the lower teeth and helps direct the tongue down and forward, opening the airway by up to 25% more than normal. Placing your tongue in this position, along with your tongue's reaction to the fitting material on the inside of your molars, causes the tongue to flex, opening the airway and improving the O2/CO2 exchange. This is how the device lowers your respiratory rate and decreases lactic acid production.

As you gently clench your molars and breathe through your mouth, your jaw is positioned in a way that further enhances the O2/CO2 exchange. This is how the device reduces the production of cortisol, which helps your muscles recover faster after intense running workouts.

Where can I get the best mouthpiece to help me increase running mileage?

AIRWAAV champions athletes in their quests for personal accomplishment and achievement. Because endurance athletes work harder and make more sacrifices, we will do all we can to support them. Order the best mouthpiece to help you increase your running mileage safely online today and see the difference it can make in your running sessions!