#4 What is the Best Running Advice You’ve Ever Received?
Training Talk Video #4 is LIVE and this week, long-time MIT (Marathoner in Training) member and prolific racer Heather Eland shares the advice that changed her running experience.
When it comes to fueling for long runs, Heather explains how important eating REAL food —not just energy gels and chews – was for her journey.
Find out more by watching the video below
Here are some more tips to keep in mind during training:
1. Run with friends and/or training buddies! The miles will go by more quickly, and when people are tired, your jokes are even funnier!
2. Map out your training schedule and reward yourself by crossing off a workout or day off the calendar! This will help to build excitement as you near the race and encourage you when seeing how much you’ve already accomplished.
3. Listen to your body! If you are feeling fatigued several days in a row and a rest day or reduced mileage doesn’t resolve it, your body is likely telling you to take some extra time to rest and recover. Also, persistent pain usually doesn’t just “go away” and should be taken care of as early as possible so it does not grow into something serious.
4. Eat good, nutritious meals and snacks that will fuel your body. You can only expect a workout/race as good as the food you ate to power it. Bananas, peanut butter, and toast are all great snacks to propel a successful run.
5. Test your race day nutrition and fluids during training! OUR race serves lemon-lime flavored Gatorade Endurance and water at each aid station; you’ll also want to try out whatever energy gels or chews you plan to carry for the later stages of the race. Have trouble stomaching performance products? Heather’s advice is perfect: REAL food (tested in training) also does the trick!
6. Rest and recover from a run. Your body needs time to restore the energy spent during training so be sure to take it easy and be mindful about refueling (especially during the heat of summer and after long runs).
What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? What’s something you wish you’d known as you were training for your first Columbus Marathon?
Thanks for watching and stay tuned for next week’s video!