How To Ready For The Alamo Half Marathon

By Edward Kelly


Getting ready for a long distance race is never an easy affair. World renowned runners always put in months of hard work. As such, it is your sacrifice and commitment that will see you get to the finish line. Whether you may be taking part in the Alamo half marathon for charity or for the thrill of racing, you ought to take time to prepare for it. Here are a few things you should include in your training routine.

For starters, you should be fully aware of your limits before you begin training. Know the exercises that your body is normally accustomed to. When you spot your weaknesses, knowing how to overcome them becomes easy. For instance, if you have a problem with the muscles in your legs every time you exercise, seek advice from a qualified personal trainer on how to go about it. Even better, enroll for regular exercise sessions at a gym. Gyms always have quality training equipment.

Marathons only involve intensive running. You can never become a winner simply because you are muscularly unrivaled. Stamina plays a vital role in making one emerge victorious when competing in a long distance track event. Improving your stamina means starting practicing early enough, preferably one year before you compete. With a little under a year before the event commences, you still have time to get in shape.

Most experienced trainers are of the view that if you want to be a great runner, you ought to begin taking on short distances daily. In training, a short distance should begin at three miles. When you wake up in the morning, purpose to complete this distance. Slowly increase the distance covered to six miles as the days go by.

Once your body is used to the routine, set days when you will be undertaking long runs. These fall in the range of seven miles and more. It is advisable to schedule your long runs to take place once a week. In a similar manner, increase your mileage gradually till you hit the nine mile mark.

In track events, speed is of vital significance. At times, a world champion may concede victory to a junior competitor because of the time he chooses to increase his pace. It is better to increase your pace later on in the race as opposed to when it starts. The best time to do so is just as you approach the finish line. With practice, no challenge will be too difficult to overcome.

The metabolic rate of your body is greatly dependent on the type of food you consume. Avoid meals that have a high fat content as they tend to induce fatigue. Start taking carbohydrate and vitamin based meals instead. This way, you will get enough energy to complete the race comfortably.

Ensuring you stay hydrated is also vital. Marathon organizers usually place water stands at various sections in race routes. Simulate the race environment to the best of your ability before the real event. Moreover, build a strong will within you. This will help complement your physical effort.




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