How To Prep for Running Season

Running season is approaching fast and if you’d like to compete in some of the event such as the City2Surf or Gold Coast marathon, then you should really look beyond just running itself to prepare. That’s why we’re here to help you prep for running season!

A lot of the time for people who are not familiar with running go straight for the kill, clocking up way too many kms from the get go which may lead to burning out or injury. However diet and strengthening your muscles are also important.

Diet

Eating a balanced diet full of whole foods is vital when you start your running journey. Your diet and nutrition are not only important for maintaining good health, but also to assist with your overall performance. A diet fueled with proper nutrition and hydration can make or break a workout or more importantly a race.

Nutritionist, Sophie Guidolin says, “A balanced diet for healthy runners or any kind of athlete for that matter includes, carbohydrates, protein, fats and a healthy dose of micronutrients”.

Change it up

If you’re planning to run a race this year and would like to take your fitness to the next level and become the fittest version of yourself then it is important to alternate your workouts. You should try schedule in 2-3 days of running, which should be mixed from sprinting, long distance and fartlek training. The days that you don’t run then practice another form of training, like HIIT, Pilates or even walking.

Adala from Zadi Training says “If you’re competing in any running events this year and need that extra bit of help, doing a HIIT workout can really take you running performance to the next level. Core and leg strength is integral for helping a runner maintain good form and stay in alignment during longer training sessions. HIIT will also assist on building endurance and stamina, include interval training into your HIIT cardio sessions”.

Have Fun

It’s important to also not get to the stage where you start to dread your workout, which is very common for people who are new to running. Yes, it can be very hard to get the motivation to put on your sneakers and work up a sweat, but think of that feeling you get after. If you really can’t find the motivation within yourself then try working out with a friend, make it fun. Having someone to start your running journey will hold not only hold you accountable but will make the process fun, maybe try making it a competition (if you’re not overly competitive). Have fun on you next run and don’t take it too seriously, maybe try racing your friend to the next bench.

If you don’t love running, distraction is key

Let’s face it, if you don’t have the luxury of running by the beach or through a park, because it’s raining outside, then running can be very boring. However, if you distract yourself by listening to some killer beats or an interesting podcast then time will fly. If you don’t love running or even working out in general, add some elements of other things you enjoy and remember the saying goes “the only workout you regret, is the one you didn’t do”.

More running tips and info:

Run Girl Run!

How To Prep for Running Season
Adala Bolto has a strong passion and dedication to fitness with more than 12 years in the industry. She has excelled in her career as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, specialising in tailored programs for 1:1 female clients and small group training.

Leveraging her industry experience as well as her strong business acumen and entrepreneurial skills, Adala first joined Australia’s leading female fitness brand, Fernwood, as a club manager. In 2014, she then went on to become the franchisee of Fernwood Ryde in Sydney.

As her passion for fitness grew and her loyal clientele continued to smash their goals, Adala saw a gap in the Australian market for a bespoke fitness program targeting younger women. In July 2017, equipped with a clever idea and a strong business plan, Adala teamed up with Fernwood and co-founded ZADI Training.