According to Sam Hale of Advance Performance, these are the things you should bear in mind:
- Begin steadily. Walk for a minute, run for a minute and build up from there. Don't try and do too much too soon.
- Buy a good pair of running shoes and have them properly fitted to match your own foot movement – this will increase comfort and minimise the risk of injury. Advance Performance is an independent store which offers a video gait analysis service free of charge and a choice of more than 100 different running shoes professionally fitted by experts.
- Learn how to stretch correctly – this will make a huge impact on your ability to complete the training and race comfortably.
- Avoid wearing cotton as it acts like a thermal layer which could over- heat you in summer and then gets soggy with sweat. Ideally, wear "sweat-wicking" and breathable clothing as these fabrics will help to regulate your body temperature and prevent chafing.
- Try not to eat too close to exercising and if possible try and have some carbohydrates a couple of hours before you run (banana sandwich on granary bread, for example) to give you energy.
- Drink plenty of water and try and get used to taking a drink with you.
- Most people would use a hand held bottle (£3.50).
Get the gearRunning may not sound like it needs a whole load of equipment but it is important to have the right gear to ensure you are comfortable and to prevent injury.
This is what Sam advises:
- The most important piece of equipment is footwear, for two reasons: Up to four times your body weight goes through your feet with every stride when you run.
- Proper running shoes offer the correct level of shock absorption.
- To reduce the risk of blistering, running socks are a good investment (£6.50 to £11.50) as they fit very well, pull away moisture from the foot to help prevent blisters and have cushioning in all the right places.
- Products such as Bodyglide (from £6.50) and Nipguards (£8.50) also help to prevent chafing and blistering to other part of the body.
- For those ladies taking part, a good strong sports bra (ideally Impact Level 4) is advised.
- For more information on the GER, visit www.greateasternrun.co.uk
- Advance Performance, The Running Store For Everyone, 01733 891111, www.advanceperformance.co.uk
- Werrington Joggers, www.werringtonjoggers.co.uk
- Thorney Running Club, www.thorneyrunningclub.co.uk
- Yaxley Running Club, www.yaxleyrunners.org.uk
- Bushfield Joggers, www.bushfieldjoggers.co.uk
- Eye Runners, www.eyerunners.co.uk
- Ramsey Road Runners, www.ramseyroadrunners.co.uk
The full article contains 443 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
