It relaxes our bodies

Many of us can tense up when we run, either in an effort to smash that PB or perhaps we are anxious about the run itself. Either way, being tightly coiled in your body is a surefire way to waste precious energy and can even lead to injury. Having a relaxed stance means that all that lovely energy can flow exactly where we need it to, rather than being wasted.

“Being relaxed during running can be beneficial,” agrees Bord. “Not only can it make a run more pleasant, but it can help reduce the risk of injuries and create a sense of calm and flow to the movement. When you run in a more relaxed state your breathing is also calmer, which will help blood flow around the body and to the muscles making the body work efficiently.”

It’s great for our minds too

In addition, if you’re prone to negative thoughts, meditation on the run will really help. “Meditation is a great way to refocus during a run, when negative thoughts may creep in at challenging moments,” says Bord. “Taking yourself back to that pre-run focus can get you back on track to complete your intended goal, no matter how distant it might seem.”

Mindful running: why meditation is the science-backed way to improve your running