Shave Seconds off Your Run with Sand

Check out where there are some local sand dunes by you (or a hilly beach), grab a water bottle, and trek out there. Map out a run for yourself (by distance, not by time) and start hitting the dunes. Your time will be slower, but because sand is a very unstable surface, practicing will make your road run seem like a cake walk and the hills won't knock you off of your feet. Running on a sandy incline is also better on your joints, so shin splints become less likely. Try and make it a weekly routine and watch your running time improve!