Training for a marathon? Pay attention…

1. MAKE A SPECIFIC TRAINING PLAN Chat to a physio, check out the training plans on Runners World, or if you’re running for a charity they may have some training plans advice.

2. SORT YOUR NUTRITION: Get advice on nutritional strategies to help with recovery, make sure you have enough fluids, and what’s this about carbo loading?  You may want to consider gels or energy drinks – we stock these in the shop

Come along to our talk on the 13^th April at the clinic on Runners Nutrition.

3. PRACTICE RACES Sign up for some 5k, 10k and half marathons prior to the main event, you’ll learn lots about pacing yourself and how to last longer distances. Set yourself these goals to work towards.

4. JOIN A RUNNING CLUB OR TRAINING GROUP For all those ladies out there Sweaty Betty offer free running clubs at their stores nationwide.

5. CROSS TRAINING Cycling and rowing can all build up your strength and stamina while taking the stress off your knees.

6. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY If you’re ill and need to rest, don’t run! You’ll only feel worse.

7. STRETCH!!!! Remember to stretch after every run – this will help protect you against injury. A weekly yoga or Pilates class is a great idea to help maintain your flexibility

8. INVEST IN YOUR SHOES These are the most important bit of kit you need – good shoes can support your knees, ankles, hips and improve your biomechanics, reducing injury and pain.  Runners Need offer gait analysis instore.

Super physio (and fellow marathon runner) Seb will be at Runners Need Oxford Circus store on Mondays from 12:30 – 1:30 offering free physio advice (until the 28th April 2010)

Look for Seb’s smiley face!