Spring into Action:

New goals, New you!

Finally getting warmer!

Winter is finally behind us, long daylight hours are slowly creeping in, and exercise enthusiasts are coming out of hibernation. If like me, you’ve had a hiccup in your routine, or possibly just let things slide during the winter months. Well now is the time to pick up some miles, lift some weights, sweat buckets, and achieve greatness. However there are a few things you should keep in mind before you head out the door.

Build Up Gradually

• It is easy to slide into a vigorous training schedule again, and it’s surprising how great memory muscle is, but you must be careful about rushing into things too quickly. Doing too much too fast greatly increases your chances of an injury. How gutted would you be if you were sidelined even longer, nobody wants this to happen, curve you mojo slowly. If like me, you rule the roads, increase mileage by no more than 10% each week. For example, if you run 10 miles during your first week back, run no more than 11 miles the following week. If you are injury-prone or are currently recovering from an injury, you should really do 5% mileage increase. This probably seems rather tedious and frustrating, but it will help ensure that you stay injury free.

Set that goal

• Whether you’ve been running for years or you are newbie, setting goals can be very beneficial. Working towards something like a marathon could be a great strategy, think of the accomplishment. Whatever your goal is, it should be challenging, yet achievable. If you are brand new to running, maybe your goal is to finish a 5K, or to be able to run for 20 minutes without stopping. Perhaps you want to get faster, stronger, or lose weight. Remember fuel is key, don’t forget to hydrate, and replenish your body with key nutrients. Think Food, think Water! Always!

Be prepared for the weather

• In many parts of the country, spring weather is very unpredictable, we’ve enjoyed plenty of rain, too much really. Be prepared for any kind of weather, we live in England! Make sure you have gear for cold mornings, base layers are good, i especially rate ‘Skins’. Don’t over do it, too many layers, you will end up throwing away clothes. If we are lucky, and we get some warm weather, shorts and a T-Shirt will do it nicely. Also make sure you have a good water-resistant jacket at hand, if you live in an area where spring showers are likely.

Keep allergies under control

• If you have seasonal allergies and the spring weather makes you sneezy and itchy, consider joining a local gym or investing in a treadmill until your allergies subside. If running outside makes your allergies flare up, you are probably far less likely to go for a run. If you can, stay indoors to run, you won’t miss out on your training, and you can keep your allergies under control.