Long distance runs are a great fitness goal to have and achieve, but getting there can be a tough process. Ensuring you have trained enough, and as effectively as you can is the best way for success and an enjoyable run on the day. So where to start?
Planning your training to suit your event is the first step. Ideally 12 weeks is a good amount of time to help you prepare for an event if you have been doing some sort of regular training, even just walking. A lot can be done in this time.
Next is setting the training to suit the event. The amount of time and distances you train will vary depending on your event. 5km preparation is very different to a marathon training plan. Speak with a fitness trainer for advice on this. A marathon or even half marathon training plan will require you to run at least 3-4 days each week, with the distance increasing as the event gets closer. As well as “steady” runs where you run at a constant pace the whole time, “interval” and “hill” sessions will help to improve your overall fitness, as well as your speed. This also keeps the training interesting and challenging.
Training for an event can become a bit monotonous if you are training alone, so you may like to train with a friend or group to keep you motivated and accountable. This is also a great way to push yourself, as you will have someone to keep up with on those days you are less than enthusiastic about being out training!
So if you want a challenge with huge rewards, find yourself an event, and a group (like us at Health In Motion Fitness!!), and get training. You will never regret doing it, but you just may regret it if you don’t.