Springtime Training & Racing Tips ðŸ«
Training & Racing Wisdom
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Spring is here, and so are the running races!
Whether you’re testing the waters over 5k or ramping up for a marathon, here are some tips to help you do your best.
Take care of the basics: Get good sleep, hydrate often, eat a well-balanced diet, and recover from your runs. Do these and you’ve got a great foundation for future training.
Nothing new on race day. That includes gear (shoes and clothes), warmup routines, race plans, and nutrition (before the race or during). When is the right time to test new things? In training.
Time is your friend. In training, take time to build. Can you rush through a training cycle and run a good race? Yeah, maybe. But instead, hit all of your training and be prepared.
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash
Get the right shoes. That doesn’t mean carbon-plated, necessarily. It means make sure you’re in the right shoe for you. Neutral shoes are different than stability shoes. Visit a running specialty shop to ensure you’re in the right type of shoe.
Is a carbon-plated shoe right for you? It could be, but it doesn’t have to be. You can still race plenty fast in a non-carbon shoe.
Strength training is your friend. You’ll break down less and be more resilient to running-related injuries. Full body workouts and workouts that are cardio-based are helpful if you feel you’re missing miles because you’re doing strength work.
Cross-training really helps. You can work your lungs and your heart without the pounding your legs take. Swim, bike, row, and elliptical. They aren’t substitutions for running, but they are really good at supplementing.
Data is helpful. But don’t over-analyze it or rely on it as the only word. Training (and running more specifically) is science, but it’s also art. The numbers matter, but they don’t tell the entire story. Sometimes, how you feel is different than what the data says, and if you only rely on the data, you might set limits on yourself.
Pacing matters. You should be practicing different paces in training so that on race day, you can look to the numbers, but also how you feel. Remember, running is numbers, but it’s also effort. Being able to adjust accordingly comes with mileage and experience.
If you’re looking for more guidance on racing, training structure, or motivation, I’ve got you covered. Sign up for a coaching plan or in-person session today. Let’s make this your best season ever.
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