Have you set yourself the goal of taking part in one of the two Women’s Adventure Races? Well, signing up is the first step, but we know a training plan can look a lot like another mountain to climb if this is your first time attempting an adventure race.
We’ve teamed up with the ladies behind the race, the Gaelforce team, to bring you the top 10 tips to help you when training for the running section of the race.
1. Lace up and head out
Pull on your runners, throw on the exercise gear and head out the front door. Starting is the hardest part of your new schedule, and once you’ve forced yourself out the door, you’re halfway there.
2. Run like the wind
Try running in all weather conditions (once it’s safe to venture out!) It’s Ireland, and we all know how fickle the weather situation can be on an hourly basis. Do yourself a favour and practice training in sun, rain showers or high winds. Chances are you’ll battle all three along the course of the day – and it call all be in the first hour!
3. Be realistic with yourself
No-one said signing up to the race was going to be easy. We’re also aware that you’ll have bad nights sleeps, periods, ‘lazy’ days and evenings where you’d rather poke a fork in your eye than attempt to run at a pace. It’s ok to take a gentle break from the running, and revert to a brisk walk and chats with your friend. You’re human. Just try to get back into it the next day so your next run isn’t a shock to your system.
4. Work towards the moment…
There’s always going to be an adjustment phase, especially if you’re new to running, coming back after a long break, or had a baby. Equally, gaining weight or battling a recent illness will take a toll on your exercise plan. We can’t make this go away, but we can promise it will get easier. You will finish that run and feel immense pride that you’ve completed the race. Treat your daily training as steps towards this feeling of accomplishment – and remember every run is your daily exercise knocked off the to-do list!
5. Take an active interest
Running isn’t just a sport – it’s a community for anyone involved. From running sites online, to magazines and bloggers, there’s plenty of inspiration, tips and information to keep you up to date and on track. It’ll also help keep you focussed on the end-goal for those days where you may be needing an extra push.
6. Keep yourself in top form
Running when you’re sick or injured will not help your well-being and could really impede your training schedule. Don’t put more pressure on your body. Take the time to rest up, get back to fighting form and head back out when you’re fully recovered.
7. Have a goal
We know this is a common tip, but we want you to set a realistic goal. It doesn’t have to involve setting your time at a personal best, but we know the difference between climbing that hill and admitting defeat can be as simple as not breaking a promise to yourself. (You’ll also feel invincible when you meet your targets)
8. Look the part
Ok, so it’s not exactly technique training, but looking the part can go a long way in boosting confidence levels. Whether it’s investing in a pair of new runners for the training and race, or treating yourself to a new top, we dare anyone to stop you crossing that finish line when you’re looking sasha fierce.
9. Know the wardrobe pitfalls
Running is going to be a challenge – do not reduce yourself to the nightmare of knickers that creep upwards, lycra that slithers downwards, bras that don’t offer any support and make-up that is not waterproof. You have enough to deal with – a wardrobe malfunction/ discomfort should not be one of them.
10. Run with pride
We know that getting used to running in public can be tough at first. You may be subjected to some car beeps, stares or a barking dog. This is where running groups and training partners are really useful, or maybe grab the girls who are taking part with you to train together.
Alternatively it can help to make yourself believe that those people are looking at you in awe and admiration. In fairness you’ve just signed up to complete an adventure race. That’s impressive, whether you’re a newbie or not!
The Women’s Adventure Race started in 2013, and was Ireland’s first women-only adventure race. Taking in running, kayaking and cycling, it was such a success that Gaelforce Events are organising two races this year – the original race in Leenane, Co.Galway on July 26th and now a second race in Roundwood, Co.Wicklow on September 20th.
