Training plans. Without a structured training plan; it's easy to feel lost. Having a clear training program will keep you on track and have you ready and raring to go with your activity. Keeping a training log is a great way to track your progress. Make a note of how you felt after your activity run and how good you felt. If you have a Fitbit you can automatically see your progress and track your mood. Why not take a before photo and check the difference at stages during you programme, this will give you the boost when you don’t feel the will to get out.
Network of training buddies. Training with friends or a group will make a big difference. When you don’t feel like training, having a network might encourage you to show up and having someone’s encouraging words on a tough activity session can really help.
Fuel. Nutrition is different for everyone and it is important to experiment with fuelling and hydration before and during activity. It is really important to be prepared for weather changes where you might need to take more water to stay hydrated so always check the weather on your training days.
Variations. Doing aerobic cross-training as well as light resistance training is a great way to optimise to differ your activity. Cycling, swimming, using the row machine are all great forms of cross-training and they help to bring some variety to your activity. Light resistance training particularly targeting the core and upper body will help to fight fatigue.
Be confident about yourself. The most important thing you can take to the starting line is the confidence that you’re ready to achieve your goals. Your mental fitness is almost as important as your physical fitness. The quickest way to ensure you hit your active goals is preventing injury. Ensure you warm up properly and remember to rest – these days are important.
Why are you doing this? Whatever the reason you have decided to get active, keep that in mind to help you stay motivated during your activity. If you don’t enjoy it, you will struggle mentally. If this is the first time you are getting serious about getting active, you will find you will hit a few barriers before it gets easy. Build and concentrate on stamina and not the race to the finish line. If you are feeling it tough drop the effort level to comfortable. Better to train then not train! And tomorrow will be a better day in the words of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Crossing the finish line.......... why not plan your journey and get to the finish line as part of your plan? It’s good to have an end goal as you can always start a fresh challenge. Once you have achieved your goal you will need more challenges to keep you active. Why not sign up for a charity event? It’s a great way to see how far you have come and you can join a group to participate.
This is not about completing marathons but it is about your health and wellbeing. Why not try our RunTalkRun group and join us with the couch to 5km programme? Nothing is impossible, just ask some of our group members who said they can’t do this and by week nine they have achieved what they thought was the impossible.