Having trouble keeping your race training on track? Take a tip from celeb trainer Matt Roberts
Got a half-marathon coming up? Trainer to the stars Matt Roberts has put together the following advice for the forthcoming Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in October.
Whatever your race, his training help can help keep you motivated. Follow Matt on Twitter @exercisematt
- Have a goal and a reason for doing your half marathon - be it for yourself, in memory of someone else or just to get faster - but make it a compelling reason as that is what will get you out of bed on a cold wet morning.
- Try to train first thing in the morning. You are more likely to get it done and find less reasons/distractions for skipping a session
- Drink a large glass of water before every meal. This will help towards your recommended daily amount and you'll feel fuller sooner, so will eat less.
- Include mobility exercises before running and stretch after every training session to keep the muscles supple and help prevent injury. You can follow our mobility routine at www.bit.ly/mattmobility
- Make sure you get a properly fitted pair of running-specific trainers. Visit your local running shop for advice. It will help prevent injury.
- Don't underestimate the power of rest and recovery periods. Always follow a hard training session with a low intensity session and take at least one rest day a week
- Walking is not cheating! You are still propelling yourself forward. Better to take a one-minute walk break and get back on track for the rest of the session than cut it short (caveat here is unless you are on the verge of over-training, ill or have an injury - then you shouldn't be training anyway)
- Find a friend to train with you - you are more likely to make a training session if you've scheduled it in your diary and plan to meet someone - it is more fun too and time will pass quicker when you've got someone to chat with (just no chatting during the high intensity sessions!!).
The scenic Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 9 October 2011, starting and finishing in London's Hyde Park. Charity places are still available. Click for info.
