Half marathons can be one of the most rewarding race distances for runners. At 13.1 miles, they provide a substantial challenge for runners but also do not beat up the body like full marathons. However, in order run a fast Half Marathon London, runners must understand proper training principles and include the following workouts in their training programs:
You can of course train without a proper program, but you'll probably use more effort than is needed, and you may not run the race to the best of your abilities. Here are some basic training guidelines to get you going.
Commitment- You will need to follow a training program that lasts about 12 weeks. This means running on days when you may not feel like it, or you don't have a lot of time. The one thing that will carry you through is your level of commitment to the goal of completing the half marathon. When the training feels difficult just remind yourself why you are doing it. The feeling of achievement at the end is well worth the effort.
Fartleks: A fartlek, which is Swedish for "speed play, " is a run of about 30-50 minutes in which the runner mixes sprinting with jogging. A usual fartlek might be 3 minute jog, 1-minute sprint, 3-minute jog, 2-minute sprint, 3-minute jog, 3-minute sprint, etc. This workout does a great job simulating the changing paces of a race. After a month to six weeks of base training, a runner should try to run at least one fartlek every other week.
Hard Day / Easy Day- This is a basic principle of many athletic training programs. A hard training day like a fast workout or a long run should always be followed by a rest day or a short run at an easy pace. This allows your body some time to rejuvenate before the next harder effort. Track Your Progress- This is an essential part of the training - you need to see how you are doing compared to the plan. Track your miles in a running log to see how closely you are following the training program.
Great options that you can go for are nutrition bars such as power bars and Luna bars. You can also go for a bagel with peanut butter or a smoothie made with yogurt and fruit. Since diet is very important when running, you should highly consider seeking the advice of your doctor before you take any food.
Recovery time- This may sound daft to the novice half marathon runner, but this is perhaps the most important component. This is where you have a day wedged in within your running week whereby you rest and allow your body to recover from the sessions of the previous days. This is very important if you are not to suffer from serious fatigue or even burn out, from training.
Increase Your Recovery- Numerous studies have verified again and again that having food within 20 minutes of exercising has a massive influence on your capability to recuperate and recharge afterward. At this time the body is far more tuned into the foods eaten. You should make sure that the food you eat provides you with both carbohydrates to refuel the muscles and proteins to mend and replenish the impaired muscle tissues.
You can of course train without a proper program, but you'll probably use more effort than is needed, and you may not run the race to the best of your abilities. Here are some basic training guidelines to get you going.
Commitment- You will need to follow a training program that lasts about 12 weeks. This means running on days when you may not feel like it, or you don't have a lot of time. The one thing that will carry you through is your level of commitment to the goal of completing the half marathon. When the training feels difficult just remind yourself why you are doing it. The feeling of achievement at the end is well worth the effort.
Fartleks: A fartlek, which is Swedish for "speed play, " is a run of about 30-50 minutes in which the runner mixes sprinting with jogging. A usual fartlek might be 3 minute jog, 1-minute sprint, 3-minute jog, 2-minute sprint, 3-minute jog, 3-minute sprint, etc. This workout does a great job simulating the changing paces of a race. After a month to six weeks of base training, a runner should try to run at least one fartlek every other week.
Hard Day / Easy Day- This is a basic principle of many athletic training programs. A hard training day like a fast workout or a long run should always be followed by a rest day or a short run at an easy pace. This allows your body some time to rejuvenate before the next harder effort. Track Your Progress- This is an essential part of the training - you need to see how you are doing compared to the plan. Track your miles in a running log to see how closely you are following the training program.
Great options that you can go for are nutrition bars such as power bars and Luna bars. You can also go for a bagel with peanut butter or a smoothie made with yogurt and fruit. Since diet is very important when running, you should highly consider seeking the advice of your doctor before you take any food.
Recovery time- This may sound daft to the novice half marathon runner, but this is perhaps the most important component. This is where you have a day wedged in within your running week whereby you rest and allow your body to recover from the sessions of the previous days. This is very important if you are not to suffer from serious fatigue or even burn out, from training.
Increase Your Recovery- Numerous studies have verified again and again that having food within 20 minutes of exercising has a massive influence on your capability to recuperate and recharge afterward. At this time the body is far more tuned into the foods eaten. You should make sure that the food you eat provides you with both carbohydrates to refuel the muscles and proteins to mend and replenish the impaired muscle tissues.
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Get a summary of the things to consider before selecting a half marathon London training program and more information about an experienced athletics coach at http://runuk.co.uk now.
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