Running is lightweight, liberating and an effective cardiovascular exercise. It is also a fuss-free activity that can be done anywhere and at any time. But if you want to become a better runner and unlock your personal best, you’ll need the right running shoes to really amp up your performance. 

Many runners don’t realize how important it is to invest in the right pair of running shoes during their training. Running shoes with the right fit for your feet and suited to where you run can shave off seconds to help you beat your personal best.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about unlocking your personal best - from providing essential running tips, assessing feet types and recommending the best shoe types to help you run faster and longer.

For a runner, consistency means having a reliable training plan that you stick to. A consistent training schedule helps you build speed, endurance and strength so you can achieve new goals and run the race of your dreams. You’re not going to see results overnight, but with time and dedication, you will see improvement.

The bottom line is, if you want to be a better runner, you have to run. It sounds simple enough, but life can get in the way. Between work and family obligations, most runners have only a few hours a week to dedicate to training. The road to running success requires working with consistency over time.

To run longer distances or to run faster, take it step-by-step. Improve your running technique by running for time rather than distance. Start by running for five minutes, then gradually build up the amount of time you spend on the road, track, or trail until you reach 30 minutes in a single session.  The key is to start at your comfort level and gradually improve your running stamina. A good way to measure speed is by effort level: you should be able to carry out a conversation without gasping for breath. If you're too out of breath, try to slow it down a bit. Then begin adding speed work, intervals and long runs over time.

When increasing distance, it's important not to push too hard too quickly. For most runners, a 3 km increase can be too much. Instead, increases in smaller increments, such as 0.5 km each week could be more beneficial when improving performance long term.

Knowing what your foot type is can help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right shoe that complements your jogging form. It determines the level of cushioning you require in your running shoe. In general terms, there are four main types of feet – flat feet, neutral feet, high-arched, and wide feet.