Springfield has great road races if your spring goal is to start running. Getting started now will ensure that before the end of spring, you’re ready to lace up and find your first finish line. If you’re new to running, though, you might be surprised to find that you need to do more than just run. Good news! FitClub has everything you need to get in great shape for your first race.
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Cross-train. Running takes a serious toll on your joints, but you still need to stay active. The best cross-training for runners is an effective cardio workout that requires less impact on your joints. It’s also a good idea to take a mental break from running so you don’t burn out before race day. Swimming, elliptical workouts, CycleFit or Zumba are all highly effective cross-training workouts for runners, available at FitClub.
Stretch and recover. Running longer or faster than you have before can also make your muscles sore. To accomplish all the miles on your training plan, you have to be able to listen to your body and recover effectively. Yoga is particularly valuable for runners because it not only stretches and lengthens sore, overused muscles, but it also helps you zero in on the mind body connection that can help you listen to your body and instinctively know what you need to repair yourself. Grab a mat and let the FitClub Yoga instructors walk you through the poses, correct your posture, and stretch muscles you didn’t even know were bothering you.
Weight training. Running is great cardiovascular exercise, but you can’t reach all of your fitness goals by running alone. Your body still needs strength training to correct muscle imbalances and to strengthen and tone muscles. If you’re new to running, give your legs and hips the strength they need to push you to the finish line and incorporate upper body workouts to balance your entire body. Not sure how to incorporate weight training into your running plan? Hiring a personal trainer is the best way to maximize your efforts and stay safe with proper form and technique. Let your FitClub trainer know that you are training for a race so he or she can help you reach your running goals while you get stronger.
At some point in your training plan you are going to feel sore and your legs are going to feel heavy. Massage is a great recovery option for all athletes because it promotes a healthier blood flow and relaxation for overworked muscles. It can also be a great reward for maintaining a consistent training plan and pushing yourself through hard workouts. Stop by the front desk of FitClub West and schedule a massage to help you recover, unwind, and get ready to run harder and longer.
Run faster. To get faster, you need to practice running faster. Treadmills are the best place to manage your speed and run faster intervals than you might outside. On the treadmill you can set your speed more precisely, making it easy to see progress from day to day. When it’s time to run faster, grab a treadmill at FitClub and bump the speed up just a little each workout to make sure your goals are reasonable and within reach.
