Whether you’re a newcomer to racing or a seasoned runner, late winter/early spring is an ideal time to kickstart or refresh your training regimen toward a race goal. Planning to race a few months ahead provides motivation and keeps you committed to your daily workouts as you look forward to crossing the finish line.
We tend to be creatures of habit, so changing our routine can be difficult. If you want to start racing or improve your racing, making a few incremental changes can make a big difference. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
- Explore new races, distances, or surfaces (such as road, trail, or grass). Trying a different type of race is a guaranteed way to achieve a personal best.
- Incorporate a speed day, tempo/pacing day, and long-run day into your weekly training schedule. Mixing up your paces improves speed and endurance.
- Find a training partner. Training with a buddy can help you stay more consistent with your training and add an extra push when you are tired or feel like giving up.
- Attend group runs and workouts like Fairhaven Runners Tuesday Evening Run or GBRC workouts https://www.gbrc.net/
These group runs may help you find a training partner and foster a sense of community. - Make sure that you are giving your body enough time to recover. Recovery is a big part of training. It is crucial for you to allow your body to recover and your glycogen stores to replenish between workouts.
- Taper for your races. Two weeks before a race, decrease your mileage. While you may feel sluggish and bloated when doing this, once you start running your race, there will be a bounce in your step and you will feel light and fast.
- Try a new training plan. With numerous options available, consider trying a plan developed by an experienced coach who has successfully guided individuals of similar age and fitness levels toward their goals.
As you plan your races for the upcoming spring and summer seasons, aim to make one small change to help make your racing goal a reality. Good luck!
Coach Carol https://teamfitschool.
To help you prepare for your first or next race, download Coach Carol’s Training and Race Day Prep Sheet at https://lp.
(Photo Credit: Nick Danielson)
