Preparing for Race Day
Summer may be winding down, but runners of all abilities are gearing up for Baltimore’s Running Festival. Below are some tips that may help you whether you are running your first race or trying to set a new personal record.
Band Together
Joining a running group is not only a great way to meet people who share your same interests, but also an excellent way to stay motivated. In addition, because you are in a group setting, you may just be motivated to push yourself a little harder and go that extra mile. Interested in joining in on the fun, but worried about getting left behind? Try running with someone who runs at your pace. If you are up for a challenge, try keeping up with someone a little faster - just make sure you run similar distances. If you are looking for a great running group, check out The Canton Runner’s Club. The free club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm outside the Canton Club and is open to runners of all abilities.
Mix It Up
When establishing your running routine, don’t forget to factor in a few cross-training sessions. One class you may want to incorporate into your program is indoor cycling. Indoor Cycling gives your leg muscles a rest from the pounding associated with running, while strengthening leg muscles, and improving your stamina and cardio efficiency. Another excellent class to add to your repertoire is yoga. Along with its mental benefits such as decreased stress and increased focus, yoga has been shown to improve your flexibility, build core strength, and improve breath control.
Use Those Muscles
After you get into a routine, don’t forget to add in a few strength training workouts each week. Improving your overall strength can benefit your breathing and form and help reduce fatigue and muscle strain. Jacki Dalsimer, a certified personal trainer at the Canton Club, recommends incorporating unilateral exercises, such as one-legged squats into your workout.
Training for a race can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. Stick with your program and keep in mind that with hard work and determination, you will be crossing that finish line before you know it!
Erin Dauses is a membership services representative and cycling and fitness instructor at Canton Club Health & Fitness.
