{"id":23037,"date":"2017-01-16T16:47:54","date_gmt":"2017-01-16T15:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/?p=23037"},"modified":"2021-09-18T17:02:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-18T16:02:53","slug":"things-to-think-about-when-considering-a-half-marathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/54.155.211.39\/blog\/2017\/01\/16\/things-to-think-about-when-considering-a-half-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to think about when considering a Half Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have signed up for a Half Marathon in May (which is seventeen weeks away yesterday) for the Roses Theatre<\/a>. My head is spinning with the amount of things I need to think about! I have currently walked 6 miles for Sport Relief<\/a>, walked\/jogged 5k Pretty Muddy<\/a> for Cancer Research and ran 6 mile for Sport Relief. Since then I haven\u2019t really been that active and last Autumn I started doing Parkrun<\/a> Junior, and then Parkrun, with my family. Therefore, you can see I have a long way to go in this short space of time if I am going to cross the finish line.<\/p>\n

Where\/Wear to Start with my Half Marathon <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"ThingsWhat I am wearing – hats off to those who dress up but not a half marathon with something over my head! Obviously a good sports bra goes without saying, and I have a variety of Lycra gear. I get really hot easily but also I struggle with the cold air on my chest. A friend told me to wear layers, which I can easily take off. Not for everyone but I am finding short sleeves help – and a pair of gloves which are easy to hold or pop in a pocket if I get too hot.<\/p>\n

Getting the feet ready for running<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Podiatrist Trevor Prior* has 5 simple exercises for getting your feet ready for running:<\/p>\n

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  1. Extend your legs out straight whilst sitting on the floor. Take a resistance band and fasten it to a secure point, then place the other part of the band below your toes. Flex your foot upwards and hold for 5 seconds to create tension, then relax. This is a great way to improve circulation, plus it has the added benefit of stretching your calf muscles.<\/li>\n
  2. Whilst in a seated position, place your foot over your opposite knee. Grab your toes and pull them back until you begin to feel a moderate stretch. Hold for 10-15 seconds. This will relieve any tension you have in your toes and leave them feeling relaxed and rested.<\/li>\n
  3. Firstly, stand with your feet slightly apart. Rise up onto your toes by slowly lifting your heels off the ground. Hold this position for 15 seconds. This exercise will help to strengthen and stretch both your toes and calf muscles.<\/li>\n
  4. It\u2019s important to exercise all areas of your foot, including your arch which can often be ignored. Place a tennis ball under the arch of your foot and roll it around for approximately 30 seconds on each foot. This exercise promotes blood flow and helps to stretch out the muscles in your foot.<\/li>\n
  5. It\u2019s crucial to wear proper fitting training shoes when working out to avoid sore feet and crippling pain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Things\"ThingsYou may have read my previous post about the importance of the right footwear <\/a>and how Vionic make footwear that supports the natural alignment – using orthotic technology to help align from the ground up. This is really important when exercising (especially training for a long run) to avoid injuries, aches and pains from not treating the feet properly. Vionic training shoes use unique Foot Motion Technology (FMT – which aligns the feet to the correct position, helping to reduce aches and improve posture) to give feet the ultimate comfort and support when working out. They also feature a dual-density outsole with a specially engineered knit upper for added breathability. I was sent a pair for review and my feet felt really supported and experienced less aches and pains after an up-hill run. I was impressed with the style too. My only criticisms would be the fact that they are not as waterproof as y previous running footwear and that they had laces which can come undone during running.<\/p>\n

    Knowing how far to push myself during my Half Marathon Training<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    I am really grateful that the new running club that I have joined is going to write me up a training plan<\/strong>. This will help me to know when it is best to run and when it is best to do a bit of walking, or strengthening – and how far a distance I should cover. They are also going to ask if there are any other runners planning on doing the same race so that we may train together. Diet<\/strong> – ok so that isn\u2019t going too well and something I really need to look at. As well as drinking more water. I need things that I can easily eat or prepare first because I am just exhausted afterwards. I also need to look at snacks I can easily take on very long runs to help keep me going. Other things to consider are strengthening, stretching, breathing<\/strong> and not forgetting relaxing <\/strong>too!<\/p>\n

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    A post shared by Joy Gloucestershire UK (@pinkoddy)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n