Running is an excellent sport, and it is also very competitive. If you’re looking to enter a running competition or a marathon, there’s so much preparation you need to do. While practice is essential to build your strength and endurance to also help you improve your pace and speed, there are so many other factors that can help you score first place and win that gold medal.
Here are a few tips to guarantee your win.
Running Shoes
One of the biggest factors that contribute to a runner’s speed is the comfort of their shoes. While there are many different types of shoes, it is important to buy the one specific for the function you’ll be needing. That’s because each pair of shoes is designed to take the ergonomics of the foot and the movement related to that specific function in mind. It’s also essential to know what foot type you have to choose the pair of shoes that gives your feet the kind of support and cushioning it needs. If you’re unfamiliar with your foot type, you need to have a better understanding of the kind of support that shoes offer for different foot types. If you suffer from flat feet or overpronation, as this article explains, you will be able to find specific running shoes that tackle this problem and help your feet have neutral pronation while running to improve your posture, foot’s impact on the floor, and avoid injuries. All these factors and the type of shoes you wear will have a great impact on securing that gold medal.
Practice
It goes without saying that in order to win first place, you need to beat a lot of people. You’ll only be able to do that by getting proper practice. In order to prepare yourself for longer distances, be sure to start off small with shorter distances and see how your body feels as well as what you need to improve.
While running other shorter races will help you practice, in order to train for a marathon, you need to do the following.
1. Incorporate Interval Training in Your Running
One of the most effective ways to improve your speed and endurance is to practice interval training in your running routines. You can do this by dividing your 30-40 mins run into 1 min of sprinting and 1 min of slow jogging to start off with and then work on increasing your sprinting time and reducing your jogging time gradually.
2. Include Long Runs Each Week
While most of your running workouts should include interval training to allow your heart to withstand long durations of running periods as well as improve your speed, it is important to build your stamina and force yourself to run long distances at least once a week. This can either be done based on time and gradually increase your pace or focus on distance and gradually increase the distance until you guarantee that you can run the distance, you’ll be competing in one go.
Follow a Strict Diet
Just like any other form of sports, in order to be healthy, you need to make sure you’re eating healthy, too. Because running requires a lot of energy, it is important to ensure you get the required carb intake before your workout and get enough protein after you’re done. That’s because the body uses carbs as energy and helps you perform better during your exercise. As for proteins, it is essential to help the body rebuild and grow stronger muscles to allow you to gain more strength. A few days before your competition, consume low-calorie meals once every 2-3 hours and try to focus on light digestible foods like energy bars and small sandwiches. You’ll also want to stay away from red meat, anything fried, nuts, and dairy.
Remember to Hydrate
Drinking water is essential, but for runners in particular, it is important to remember to stay hydrated. It’s not just a vital factor for health and performance, but it also regulates the body’s temperature, removes waste, and gives your cells the energy it needs to perform its absolute best. Water also plays an important role in preventing injuries as it cushions the joints and reducing cramping. In order to win first place, hydration is key to maximize performance.
Winning a running competition requires determination and consistency. But with the right mindset, attitude and sticking to a strict training schedule, you can really improve your performance. Just remember to check that you’ve got the right shoes that will allow you to maximize your performance and show the world what you’ve got.
