How to Train Before Joining a Running Club

There’s no doubt that running is one of the best forms of exercise you can practice. You can get even greater results, too, by joining a running club, where you’ll encounter plenty of free advice and moral support. However, before you do, you’ll want to make sure you train up to that level, in order to get the most from the experience.

Train Up to the Level of the Club

All running clubs vary and there is no one standard in terms of:

• Size
• Distance they run
• Regularity with which they meet
• Number of members

So before you begin training, research potential clubs in your area you may want to join.

Once you have one in mind, be sure you can handle the distances they like to cover. If they have a website or social media group, they might even expound on how long it generally takes them to complete that distance.

Just as all clubs vary, all runners within the club will, too. As Running for Fitness points out, most members will be there to get in shape and relieve some stress. Only a few will be there for competitive reasons.

So before you join a club, simply make sure you can handle their normal distance in one attempt without suffering any side effects afterward.

Try Out Their Terrain

You should also be able to research where they typically run. While most may stick to local sidewalks or park paths, others might wander off to more adventurous terrain. Even if you can run the same distance as the club, if you’re not use to the same inclines and terrain they are, you’ll suffer at the beginning.

Unique terrain is a great way to mix up your routine and keep things interesting, while getting in even better shape. So welcome this opportunity.

Run a Lot

This may seem like simple advice, but running clubs may not necessarily be for beginners. On the one hand, it will provide you immediate moral support, which may play a key role in keeping you motivated early on. The added accountability may help you stay on course, too.

On the other hand, if you’re not up to running regularly, you should consider working your way up to that point. Once you’re able to run with the same regularity as the running club you plan on joining, you’ll be able to get the most from it by showing up to each meet.

Keep in mind you don’t have to show up each time ready to come out in first. It’s just easy to get discouraged if you go intermittently, which makes giving up easier.

Join Before You’re Ready

Although it’s helpful to train up your abilities before joining a running club, most members warn hopefuls from letting this idea become an obstacle. If you’re nervous or discouraged, for whatever reason, you’ll constantly look for reasons not to join and run along. So once you meet the above criteria, join up and start running.

You have all the time in the world to join a running club, but the benefits they can bring make it something you should do sooner rather than later. Start by training up to the challenge and then immediately begin.

 

Some people look for easy shortcuts to getting a better body. Others, however, want to dedicate their life to the pursuit. If the latter sounds like you, here’s how you can devote all your time to working out.

Cardio

Even if your fitness goal is to pack on as much solid muscle as possible, cardio is not necessarily your enemy. It will still help to burn fat and keep you coordinated.  WebMD also points out that it reduces your chances of heart disease, which is one of the biggest killers out there. Cardio does this by improving:

• Heart functions
• Muscle mass
• Overall cholesterol and levels of triglycerides

Furthermore, cardio reduces your risk of getting osteoporosis.

Yet, cardio is one of the easiest components to implement in your workout regimen. Simply buy a comfortable pair of shoes and go running. Better still, Sole Fitness Treadmills offers a number of options that allow you to safely get your cardio at home. Check Sole Treadmill reviews and you’ll see that Sole is one of the top manufacturers in particular the Sole F63.

Enlist a Friend

Nothing will help you achieve a lifestyle that revolves around working out like having a friend along for the ride. Moral support will help you get out of bed in the morning for that jog or hit the gym after work when you feel beat. Friends are also great for holding you accountable, which is the other side of the coin.

Having a friend to work out with also means you’ll always have a spotter and someone to watch your form. This is key to avoiding injuries.

Eight Hours, Uninterrupted Sleep

Despite the fact that everyone cites eight hours as the magical amount you need for sleeping, the truth is your real requirements are actually unique. However, give yourself eight hours anyway, just in case you need it. When you start working out more and more, it’s not unrealistic to think your body will need more rest, anyway.

To ensure you get the sleep you need, be sure you sleep in a room that is pitch black. So replace your drapes if it means getting fabric thick enough to block out any outside light. Also, no falling asleep to your favorite televisions shows. Remove the thing altogether.

Without enough sleep, you simply won’t be able to work out. The times you do, your results will be lackluster at best and put you at risk for injury, which will really impede your performance.

Walk Everywhere

Get used to walking more and more. Whenever you’re within a few miles of your destination, walk there instead of driving. People don’t often think of walking as important for getting in shape, but it can make all the difference. It’s a great way to get more sun, add some muscle and boost your metabolism.

Split Up Your Meals

If you want to dedicate all your time to working out, that will require you to clean up your diet. It will also mean changing the way you eat altogether. Break up your three normal meals into five or six smaller, healthier ones. This will keep your metabolism burning throughout the day and keep you from getting hungry.

Dedicating time to working out isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. Make the above advice a part of your life and you’ll be on the right path.

Sources:

 

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/kick-up-with-cardio-exercise