Race Tips: Preparing Well For The Alamo Half Marathon

By Edward Kelly


Getting ready for a long distance race is never an easy affair. World renowned runners always put in months of hard work. As such, it is your sacrifice and commitment that will see you get to the finish line. Whether you may be taking part in the Alamo half marathon for charity or for the thrill of racing, you ought to take time to prepare for it. Here are a few things you should include in your training routine.

To begin with, get an idea of what your limits are beforehand. At this point, you may already know the exercises that take a toll on your body. To be more effective on track, focus on improving on the weaknesses you identify as opposed to spending more time fine tuning your strengths. Differentiating what you are good at from what you are weak at is the hallmark of a high achiever. For example, if muscular strength is not your forte, work on making it better. Becoming a member at a gym would not be a bad thing to do. A gym is one place where you are likely to get unlimited access to quality equipment once you enroll.

Marathons only involve intensive running. You can never become a winner simply because you are muscularly unrivaled. Stamina plays a vital role in making one emerge victorious when competing in a long distance track event. Improving your stamina means starting practicing early enough, preferably one year before you compete. With a little under a year before the event commences, you still have time to get in shape.

According to experienced trainers, the best runners in the world started by running short distances every day. In marathon training, short distances start from about three miles going upwards. Begin by going on three mile runs every day. Gradually increase this mileage to six miles or more.

Once you get used to it, shift your focus to long runs. A long run should typically be anything upwards of seven miles. Do so once every week. Raise this distance till you exceed nine miles.

Speed is a critical element in any track event. At times, world champions lose to amateurs due to ill advised speed decisions. To prevent yourself from falling prey to fatigue once the race starts, make sure you are running at a consistent pace for a large part of the race. Increase your speed, albeit slightly, when you are nearing the finish line. If you practice on this every day, the real event should give you no trouble.

The meals you take always affect the metabolism in your body. Avoid fatty foods as they may induce fatigue and a feeling of laziness. Instead, go for meals that are rich in vitamins and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates you consume should give you sufficient energy to run the entire race.

Ensuring you stay hydrated is also vital. Marathon organizers usually place water stands at various sections in race routes. Simulate the race environment to the best of your ability before the real event. Moreover, build a strong will within you. This will help complement your physical effort.




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