October 10th 2024.
Are you up for a challenge? It's that time of the year again - half-marathon season! With the cooler temperatures and perfect running weather, people from all over the country are lining up at the start lines for those long-distance medals. And if you're in the capital, chances are you'll be cheering on a friend, colleague, or housemate as they run the Royal Parks Half this weekend. The route takes runners through London's picturesque Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James's. It's hard not to feel inspired by the beautiful surroundings, so if you're thinking about dusting off your trainers and taking your first steps into running, here's everything you need to know.
Before anything else, make sure you have the right footwear. You don't need to break the bank and buy the most expensive brands, but it's important to have shoes that provide adequate support. Laura Bannister, a personal trainer and running leader, stresses the importance of good trainers for beginners. Avoid shoes like Converse or Vans and opt for ones that provide ankle and foot support. Not sure what to look for? You can use a free online gait analysis tool through websites like sportshoes.com or Brooks. They will analyze your technique and recommend the right shoes, but you don't have to stick to the exact brand they suggest. Use the results to make an informed decision and improve your performance while preventing injuries that could keep you off the track and away from personal bests.
Remember to ease yourself into running. Programs like Couch to 5K are a great way to get started. The app is free and gradually builds you up to your first milestone. Don't expect to be able to run for miles right away - it takes time and training. Also, don't start off too fast. Laura emphasizes the importance of finding a comfortable pace. You should be able to hold a conversation while jogging - not talking the whole time, but capable of small talk.
Consistency is key when starting anything new, and running is no exception. Assign specific "running days" for yourself, go out with a friend, or join a running club to hold yourself accountable. Trying different times of the day can also be helpful. Claire Gleave, founder of the maternity activewear brand Natal Active, suggests finding the best time for you to run. This will make it easier to incorporate into your routine and stick to it.
Set small goals for yourself while on a run to stay motivated. Laura suggests using lampposts or trees as markers and making each one your small goal to reach. You can also distract yourself by taking in the surroundings, whether it's the city streets or the rolling hills.
There's no better time to start your running journey than in the spring. It will help you prepare for the challenges ahead, especially during the cold, dark winter months. As Claire says, "No one likes running in the winter, so starting now will give you a head start and make it easier to stick with it."
The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2024. If you're interested in participating in 2025, you can register on their website. Do you have a running story to share? We'd love to hear it! You can email us at email address. And don't forget to check out our articles on running, like "Asking For A Friend: Why Do I Always Need to Poo While Running?" and "Adele Roberts Opens Up About Her Plans to Set a World Record Running a Marathon with a Stoma Bag."
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