Are You Ready To Do A Running Event?

It’s a common question from runners, wondering just how soon they should step up their training routines and enter events, whatever the distance involved. And there are no easy answers that apply to us all - just good advice.

Stepping up

Try and avoid doing too much too soon – it can lead to injuries and possible disillusion. Be patient and build towards your goal, and if that’s heading towards a marathon get there via 5ks, 10ks and half-marathons, for example. In short, get some shorter races under your belt and pick up some invaluable event experience, because event running is a different discipline to time on the treadmill or pounding the street on your own or with running club colleagues.

It’s all too easy to rush your way through your first event – despite good intentions - and find yourself flagging, perhaps having ill-advisedly kept pace with those around you who may not be at the same level. It shouldn’t be a first-past-the-post experience either. At least not yet. Think of it as a battle against yourself and learn your craft - where to push, where to conserve your energy, where to alter your pace, and how to hold back for when you really need it.

How to choose your event

If you’re starting from scratch, devise a structured and realistic training routine first, one that will help you get back in shape and that you can carry for at least a few months towards that bigger goal. While you shouldn’t get ahead of yourself, it makes sense to register for the first event – in the case of the novice, perhaps a 5k. That way, you’ve committed yourself to the goal of getting on the starting line, so the training will have to continue apace. Don’t put it off.

"There are plenty of training plans available via realbuzz, so you can choose one just right for your circumstances and level of training."

It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are to anyone but you. For each race, set a big goal – that dream time, maybe – plus a moderate goal – one that’s achievable at a push - and a minimum goal – one you feel you must hit. There are plenty of training plans available via realbuzz, so you can choose one just right for your circumstances and level of training, preferably involving at least three days’ running per week, with additional sessions set aside for conditioning and cross-training perhaps. Most importantly, once you have your programme, commit to it!

And when it comes to those early events, don’t worry beforehand that you'll be too slow or maybe even finish last. We reckon that once you've taken the plunge, you'll be hooked. Local races can be special too, and you should get plenty of support from family and friends.

Completing that race should be a proud moment, and that first race should prove to be a confidence-builder. You can then revise your personal goals and target the next event, putting into place a few tweaks to your game plan and learning from mistakes you made first time around, knowing just what to expect.