( FITNESS )& MOTIVATION )
TOP TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE RUNNING SEASON
Four experts share their best advice for preparing for the up and coming running season .
ustralian research has shown that
A nearly a quarter of Australians jog
regularly or occasionally , which is an increase off 66 per cent compared with 10 years ago . And with more people running City2Surf than ever before , more people are hitting the pavement , but are they hitting their stride ?
You don ’ t need much to run , but being able to run efficiently and effectively is what may separate you from being someone who runs for the sake of it , rather than for the love of it .
Regardless of whether you have signed up to a Fun Run or a Marathon , we speak with Australian experts who share their top tips on how to put your best foot forward .
1 . Avoid the opt out
Jase Cronshaw and David ‘ DJ ’ Jones – Endurance Athletes and Running Experts for Nuzest – suggest you get yourself a running buddy or join a running group . This will help to keep you accountable and provide motivation , not only to do that extra kilometre or extra minute , but to get out of the house when you are feeling demotivated and uninspired .
2 . Train for all conditions
Jase and David recommend you train rain , hail or shine , into headwinds , in the dark ( as long as it ’ s safe to do so and you have a head torch ), in the middle of the day , in the cold and in the heat . Come race day , you have no control over your environment but if you ’ ve trained in the worst nature can throw at you , that ’ s one less thing to be worried about and a mental edge you will have over fellow runners .
3 . Strength train
Ben Lucas – Personal Trainer and Co- Owner of Flow Athletic – says , practising strength training ensures that you build a body that will be able to support you during the entire race . By strengthening areas of your body that relate to running , such as balance , posture , core and legs will mean that you ’ re not solely relying on your lower half to run the race . For example , you are always on one leg when you run , so you should be incorporating single leg exercises to help strengthen up your legs equally . This can also help to identify any weaknesses in any areas .
4 . Remember your nutrition
Dr Zac , leading Australian medical personality and educator for Sumo Salad says one of his favourite foods for exercise are bananas , as they contain potassium which , when combined with high protein foods , help build muscle and replenish amino acids during exercise . He also says bananas contain serotonin , which is a hormone that boosts mood . They also release energy slowly , which makes them a great exercise snack that will keep you feeling fuller and better for longer !
5 . Use technology
Jase and David advise that there are plenty of apps ( mapmyrun and Strava ) and wearables ( fitness watches and trackers ) available , which can track your progress . They are surprisingly effective at creating habits and provide incentives to get you out and running more , so don ’ t be afraid to use them !
8 OH ! MAGAZINE ( AUGUST 2018 )