New Year Resolutions, trying to stay in shape over the winter, or your next challenge, first start with the end goal in sight. Run your first marathon or half marathon, improve your time? What you would like to accomplish? By clearly defining the end goal, it is easier to go backwards to determine how to get there.
Be as specific as you can. Now that you have the specific end goal in mind, sign up for the event today – or as soon as registration opens! If you sign up and pay for the event, there’s no turning back unless you want to lose your entry fee.
As you are focused on training for the big day this spring, we wanted to give you a few things to make sure you are ready for the big race:
Good Form Running/Walking
Some think Good Form Running/Walking is only for beginning runners, but that is not the case. Racers of all levels can gain some insight from this class. Free monthly classes are available. See how it can help focus on the race.
Have a Training Plan
Give yourself enough time to train. Don’t be that guy cramped out at the side of the road. Start with a proven training schedule, Jeff Galloway is the trainer of choice in these parts and has published multiple marathon and half marathon programs. Follow his half marathon and marathon advise and be on the road to success.
Have a Race Plan
Think ahead to the day of your big race and how you want it to go. Everyone knows mile 22 can be challenging as you are so close to finishing yet this when most people bonk and may even drop out of the race. Be ready not only physically but also mentally for when you get in this situation and how you are going to react and push yourself through the challenging times to finish strong and meet your goals.
Determine Your Race Nutrition
Running a longer race you will want to make sure you include your nutrition in your race plan. Are you going to fuel with a technical brand like Gu, or a more all-natural approach like Huma or Honey Stinger? This is an important decision to make, and also takes some testing during your training to make sure you fuel the right amounts at the right times to perform at your peak level.
Listen to Your Body
A sore muscle here or there can quickly turn into something much more serious, so pay very close attention to your body and how you are feeling. An unplanned day of rest may not be desirable but will be better in the long run than stressing your body more than it can handle, so be ready to make adjustments as needed to take care of yourself so you won’t get injured before the race.
Watch Your Shoes
As you are racking up the miles on your shoes during your training make sure you replace them before your feet start hurting, which is usually a sign you should have replaced them all ready. You probably know how many miles you can get out of your shoes by now from past experiences, so don’t try to extend the life of your shoes more than you know you can as you don’t want to risk injury. Here are some things to look out for when your shoes start to go bad or you can pick up a Complete Runner Shoe Life Tracker that will tell you when it’s time.
There you have it! Think about these things now to ensure your spring marathon is a wonderful experience and goes as planned, well, as much as you can plan anyway.
