I Tried 'Niko Niko' Running, And It Took Me Out Of My Fitness Slump

When I’m on the sixth kilometre of a long run, the last thing I want to do is smile. 

But the author of Slow Jogging: Get Fit, Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, and Have Fun With Easy Running, Dr Hiroaki Tanaka, said that’s what I should aim for to achieve a healthier, happier run. 

He recommended trying a “smiling” or “niko niko” pace for better blood pressure and increased fitness.

Science says runners can seriously benefit from the practice, which has helped to get me back into running after a long break. 

What is “niko niko” pace? 

It means a “smiling” pace (“niko” means smiling in Japanese)...