Vitality Reading Half Marathon Top Tips with Four Weeks to Go

EXPERT COMMENT: 14 February 2017

GEORGE ANDERSON VITALITY READING HALF MARATHON – TOP TIPS WITH FOUR WEEKS TO GO

With just over four weeks to go until the 2017 Vitality Reading Half Marathon, the Chronicle caught up with running coach and official event training partner, George Anderson.

To help keep you on track in the final month of your training, George has given us the answers to three of the most frequently asked questions ahead of race day.

How important is nutrition?

A lot of people ask the question of what they should be eating in preparation for race day – am I getting enough protein, what’s the right quantity of carbs and what should I avoid?

The truth is, diet and nutrition differs for everyone. Now is the time to start experimenting with what you eat pre-and post-run. Find out what works best for you ahead of the race so it’s not something you’re panicking about a week out.

It’s important to ensure you’ve planned a race day strategy. Find the foods that make you feel good before a run, and what helps you recover after. Ideally you should be eating within 30 minutes as your body needs essential nutrients to kick start the growth and repair after a hard run. Does having the correct kit matter? You can run with any old kit, and many people did exactly that for many years. But a well-fitting running outfit and trainers that are going to support your feet as you run will make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. And when you enjoy something, you're more likely to continue with it!

Practice running in the kit and the shoes that you are going to use on the day. It is important to wear-in new shoes to avoid rubbing and blisters, and if you have a blister to tape it up properly before the race. You can also prevent problems by covering areas you think might blister.

Mizuno are the Official Apparel suppliers of the Vitality Reading Half Marathon and have a great choice of running clothing and footwear: www.sweatshop.com/mizuno

Should I use a running plan? A plan can give you structure as you train towards a race. Each run is a part of the overall plan so you never feel as though you're just going out for 'another run'. Each mile counts, gives your mind and body the variety it needs to stay interested and physically progressing towards the goal. Due to popular demand, entries for the Vitality Reading Half Marathon have been extended by one week and will now close at midnight on 21st February. To secure your place, visit: www.readinghalfmarathon.co.uk

George Anderson is the official training partner for the 2017 Vitality Reading Half Marathon. For more information about training for this event please visit: http://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/community/training-advice.htm

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PRESS ENQUIRIES Ruth Bowerman Promote PR 01628 507662 [email protected]