Rookie Rule #9

Learn the Survival Shuffle.

As you’re just getting your feet under you, it can seem as though there are only two speeds: running and walking. Well, friends, I’m here to tell you that you have at least one extra gear. And that extra gear is the Survival Shuffle.

It’s not really much faster than walking (and sometimes, it’s probably slower), but it can save you from the jarring (both physically and mentally) start-and-stop of run-walking, and propel you through a rough spot until you find your second wind.

To employ the Survival Shuffle, there’s not much technique to master. Basically, you just shuffle your feet forward while the top half of your body pretends that you’re still running. You conserve energy and kick back the pace a bit without completely wrecking your flow.

Also, it’s a great skill to have in your arsenal as you become a more experienced runner. I do the Survival Shuffle through water stops, and I’ve admittedly gutted my way through races for which I was underprepared by finishing the last mile or two in Shuffle-mode.

So, next time, before you throw in the towel and start walking, break into the Shuffle instead. – Aidz