3 Tips to Prepare for Running & Racing this Spring
Thursday, March 8, 2018
A taste of warmer weather in Maryland the past couple of weeks means runners are getting excited for the spring race season. If you can believe it, the 2018 B3 Distance Series kicks off in a mere 2 weeks with the Under Armour KELLY St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K on March 11. Maybe you are just dusting off your running shoes and getting back to running after a winter break. Maybe you have been training for a few weeks and are gearing up for all the races you signed up for months ago. Below are some tips to prepare you for a strong and healthy season of spring running and racing.
1. Run with Others
When the weather is unpredictable or if you are getting back into the swing of running regularly, it can be difficult to get out the door to run alone. Find a group to run with, make a running date with some friends, or join a training group. Running with others can help you stick to your training plan, and make those longer runs more enjoyable. Charm City Run has great training groups for new runners and seasoned marathoners alike which offer accountability, fun, and everything you need to get to the start line strong. You can also look for free fun runs near you.
2. Optimize Nutrition & Hydration
If your 2018 resolutions from January are long forgotten, have no fear. The beginning of spring is a great time to revisit or set goals and refocus. Now is the time to start optimizing your nutrition to prepare for spring race season. Instead of trying a new fad diet, focus on eating more quality fuel for your runs and workouts. With warmer weather, hydrating more frequently is important. Tracking your water intake can help ensure you are drinking enough throughout the day.
3. Gear Check
Spring is also a great time to check on your shoes and gear and see what needs to be replaced. It varies from runner to runner when they need to replace their shoes based on the use, running surface, shoe model and type, as well as type of runner. It’s recommended to replace your shoes after between 300 and 500 miles and definitely if you are noticing wear on the soles or tears in the upper. Come into Charm City Run and get fit for a brand new pair or running shoes and check out all the latest spring models to start your spring training and racing on fresh shoes. Ladies, if your sports bra has celebrated a birthday it’s time to toss it and replace it! Charm City Run can fit you for a brand new sports bra in store to help you find one that’s comfortable and perfect fit.
Happy running!
About the Author: Lauren Seserko
Lauren is an adopted Charm City resident who is a occupational therapist by day and part-time health and fitness nut the rest of the time. Besides being a runner & Charm City Run coach, she is a foodie, science nerd, sweet tooth, panda lover, hippie at heart, and beer & whiskey enthusiast. She got hooked on running after her first 5K in 2012 and has since become a marathoner and completed countless other races. Besides running she loves participating in yoga, spin classes, and November Project Baltimore. Lauren is the creator of Breathe Deeply and Smile where she writes about the finding happiness, running, health & fitness, food, and Baltimore happenings. Lauren believes in running happy, dreaming big, enjoying life, and never passing up dessert!
