Running during the colder days ahead can be difficult – but there are some simple things you can do to keep on track
Who can forget the thrill of re-discovering running during the summer? Those luminous days and balmy evenings, a gentle breeze in your hair and warm sand under-foot… (yes, you might have guessed I went on holidays abroad this year). Then, just as you’re getting into your stride, September arrives.
Suddenly, it’s seems impossible to drag yourself out the door on those colder, wetter, shorter days.
Fear not – there are a few simple things you can do to stay motivated. Olympic marathon runner Mark Kenneally has put together his top tips to make sure you enjoy your running — even through the dark, wintry days around the corner.
He’s put them together for the Grant Thornton 5k corporate team challenge in Dublin’s docklands. The event takes place on Thursday, September 6th at 7.30pm. You can enter as part of a company team (with four per team). Entries are still available here.
Here are some of Mark’s top tips:
1. Have a goal! Whether it is a 5k race/10k race or simply getting up to running a specific distance you’ll make things a lot easier for yourself if you have a finish line in sight
2. Try training with other people/clubs. This can be a great way to improve your enjoyment of running, as well as acting as a way of trying to improve by testing yourself against other people. Many clubs now cater for all category of runner, from beginner to competitive
3. Mix your running surfaces. Too much running on one surface can lead to repetitive strain injuries so where possible vary between road/grass/trail/path/treadmill
4. If you have pain running and you’re unsure about why, STOP! Go see your GP or Physiotherapist, find out why you have a problem and then deal with it. Many running related pains are easily dealt with, but some, if left untreated, can become chronic problems
5. Try making running a part of your work day. Many people use lack of time as an excuse not to run, but it may be possible for you to run into or out of work, or to run at our lunchtime. This allows you most efficient use of your time
His full list of tips is available here.
Also, Irish athlete Catherina McKiernan has developed a 12-week training programme for running a 5k which is well worth checking out.
