“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” Doesn’t it feel just wonderful to finally have stepped out of your comfort zone and signed up for your first 5k marathon? Just the commitment is a superb step in the direction of getting fitter, hotter and happier (from all the endorphin release in your body of course!). Next step would be to start prepping for the day, and we’ve got that part all planned out for you. Read on cause you’re in for one hell of a run…
1.Get a good pair of shoes
There are special shoes for different lengths of runs, and you need to buy the right pair to be able to run comfortably and ensure that your feet are not strained. In addition, invest in some comfortable sweat-absorbing sportswear, as well.
2. See videos on how to cool down after the run to avoid cramps
Post run recovery is as important as the training for the 5k run. So we’re saying that it would be a good idea to learn some simple stretches and cooling down exercises to save yourself from getting cramps or any kind of injury. Fuelling your body with some carbs and energy drinks 30 minutes after you finish the run is also equally important.
3. Run for longer durations at slow speed while training
The most essential thing is to get your body accustomed to long distance running. Watching videos online for tips, reading articles and actually slipping into your sportswear and going out for a run everyday would do wonders in getting you all set for the actual run. These will help you learn about the pace you must begin with, how to span out your speed and make it till the end, while catering to the unique way your body works.
Also Read: Best Running Shoes for Women
4. Carry a phone arm band
Before the tech addict in you starts hyperventilating about where to leave your phone during the run, we’ve got just the solution for you. Invest in purchasing a phone arm band to safely fasten your phone in, during your run.
5. Get a pair of good wireless earphones for the music will keep you in the flow
We think you might need something to keep you going the distance, especially when it’s your first time. As Bob Marley said, ‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” So wear a pair of earphones and play your favourite workout mix to help you get in the flow and run that extra mile.
6. Drink sufficient water, breakfast two hours before the run and get plenty of sleep
We can’t overemphasise the need to get a good 7-8 hours of shut-eye the night before the run, keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated and your tummy full, well before you hit the tracks.
P.S. Make sure that your pre-run meal is high in carbs and try to avoid fibre cause you don’t want an I wanna poop now feeling mid-marathon.
7. A friend who runs with you is a friend, indeed
Get someone to run with you, because good company makes it more enjoyable and motivating. Practise runs can become all the more fun and your discussions could be centred around healthier food alternatives and run timings.
8. Order a fitness band to compete with yourself and track your time
For some of us, competing with our own selves acts as the best motivator to keep us going. Why not order a fitness band and track the timings of your practise runs to keep yourself going.
GIFs: Giphy