Should You Run The Race?

 

With Spring approaching and everybody getting back into high gear with fitness and nutrition regimens, you may have noticed that the trend of marathon racing is still going strong. Women who jog for exercise have found that entering marathons around their local community, or even traveling across the country, has been extremely rewarding for their health and also their motivation to keep in shape. 

There's a difference, though, between a 2k jog around your neighbourhood, and running a 10k marathon. It's a work out and adrenaline rush like no other and you're finally willing to give it a go too. But are you ready? 

Here are some tips to remember if you're considering a marathon:

Training/Conditioning - To begin you're going to have to do your research and find out what exactly you need to do to start training giving your current health status. Before you even make a commitment, give yourself a trial run. Take a few weeks to make running an every day activity, warming up and stretching beforehand, working towards goals of distance, speed, endurance.

Sportswear - You will need some proper fitting clothing like a sports bra well suited to the size of your chest and one that prevents chafing. Avoid 100% cotton because it will stay wet when you sweat. As well, wide straps with racer backs tend to be commonly preferred. You will need to find a solid pair of running shoes too,ask a professional about what size of shoe will work best for your foot size and type.

Nutrition - All that running will be for nothing if you're not eating right! Keep a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and increase your protein consumption for extra strength. Always remember to stay hydrated and keep track of how much water you drink per day in comparison to how much you should be drinking, which is about 6-8 glasses.

Accountability - Partner up with someone who either runs marathons already and has experience or someone who is looking to start up for the first time as well. Having someone to run and train with will be great motivation, plus you can hold each other accountable for staying on track.

Schedule - Clear up your schedule a bit because it's about to get busier with this new pastime. Early morning runs are said to be an excellent way to start the day because, with enough rest the night before, you're not too tired from a long day of work and your energy level is way higher. Whenever you choose to run, make it a consistent time slot and a priority you're capable of sticking to.

Lastly, sign up for your first marathon! Start slow with a 5K and work your way up after a few tries, don't push yourself too hard but also stay positive at a steady pace. If you have any health issues that may conflict with your ability to run, consult with your doctor first.

 

Image from MorgueFile