March 14, 2018

3 Tips to Prepare for Running & Racing This Spring

This post was originally published on the Charm City Run blog. Check out their blog for more great posts and explore the Charm City Run website for information on fun upcoming events and training groups 😊

A taste of warmer weather in Maryland the past couple of weeks means runners are getting excited for the spring race season. If you can believe it, the 2018 B3 Distance Series kicks off in a mere 2 weeks with the Under Armour KELLY St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K on March 11. Maybe you are just dusting off your running shoes and getting back to running after a winter break. Maybe you have been training for a few weeks and are gearing up for all the races you signed up for months ago. Below are some tips to prepare you for a strong and healthy season of spring running and racing.

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1. RUN WITH OTHERS

When the weather is unpredictable or if you are getting back into the swing of running regularly, it can be difficult to get out the door to run alone. Find a group to run with, make a running date with some friends, or join a training group. Running with others can help you stick to your training plan, and make those longer runs more enjoyable. Charm City Run has great training groups for new runners and seasoned marathoners alike which offer accountability, fun, and everything you need to get to the start line strong. You can also look for free fun runs near you.

2. OPTIMIZE NUTRITION & HYDRATION



If your 2018 resolutions from January are long forgotten, have no fear. The beginning of spring is a great time to revisit or set goals and refocus. Now is the time to start optimizing your nutrition to prepare for spring race season. Instead of trying a new fad diet, focus on eating more quality fuel for your runs and workouts. With warmer weather, hydrating more frequently is important. Tracking your water intake can help ensure you are drinking enough throughout the day.

3. GEAR CHECK

Spring is also a great time to check on your shoes and gear and see what needs to be replaced. It varies from runner to runner when they need to replace their shoes based on the use, running surface, shoe model and type, as well as type of runner. It’s recommended to replace your shoes after between 300 and 500 miles and definitely if you are noticing wear on the soles or tears in the upper. Come into Charm City Run and get fit for a brand new pair or running shoes and check out all the latest spring models to start your spring training and racing on fresh shoes. Ladies, if your sports bra has celebrated a birthday it’s time to toss it and replace it! Charm City Run can fit you for a brand new sports bra in store to help you find one that’s comfortable and perfect fit.

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Happy Running! 

Are you training for any spring races or events? Did you take a break from running during the winter? 

This post is linked up with No Guilt LifeMCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run and Rachel,  Lora, and Debbie for the Coaches’ Corner :)

6 comments:

  1. Totes still running. Upgraded all my gear in the winter. Been tuning in my hydration and nutrition this training season. Really like Simple Squares as a pre-run fuel and coconut water post-run. ! My only must-do for spring is take allergy medicine the night before so it's in my system by morning and I'm ready to run! Good luck on your races

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    1. Well you are on top of it, lady! I need to get back to drinking coconut water-I drink it more in the summer! Ooh,good tip with the allergy meds. I always take them in the AM, but PM might work better.

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  2. Ha! We are seeing signs for LA marathon THIS SUNDAY and my husband is like, SHOULD I RUN AGAIN?!?! In 2016 he ran after deciding literally 9 hours before the starting gun went off. Or in other words, he did not practice for this run what - so - ever!!!!!

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  3. Great tips!! I need to find a running buddy--I used to run so much more regularly back when I had one!

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    1. It makes such a big difference for many people to have running buddies!

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