Considering a Marathon? Try This Now
By Virginia Laird
Marathons are gaining popularity across the nation. With families starting to train (together) for smaller races, more are beginning to set their sights on half and whole marathons as they grow. Training for these races can be exciting. Still, successfully completing them can be even more rewarding. A few tips offered by fitness experts to help you as you train for your next big race include:
- Give up junk food
- Stop drinking soda today
- Make sleep a priority
- Stretch out every day
Give Up Junk Food
Junk food, while tasty, can put a damper on the body's ability to function at its best athletically. According to research, sugar can pack on the pounds, slow the metabolism of the body, and much more. For those who are trying desperately to get ready for a marathon or a holiday fun run, it can be ideal to give up (most of) your junk food as you prepare to hit the much anticipated road ahead. For those who suffer with a sweet tooth, it can be best to find alternatives to satisfy a craving, including yogurt and fresh fruit.
Stop Drinking Soda Today
Those who are serious about training, it is vital that you give up soda. Soda is known to cause the muscles to cramp. To keep this from happening to you, it is highly suggested that you avoid soda and choose water instead. Staying properly hydrated is a great way to ensure your body, including the muscles, are ready for the challenges of racing. It is advised, in order to stay properly hydrated, that you consume at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. Start now tracking your water consumption.
Make Sleep a Priority
The amount of sleep you get, or lack thereof, can be vital in being a successful racer. It is advised that the average adult get at least six hours of sleep each night. However, those preparing for a marathon may need much more than this to ensure that the body is properly rested. Start now getting the sleep you need to help your training and your race be more successful.
Stretch Out Every Day
Stretching is imperative as is pertains to exercise of any kind. However, when considering a marathon, it is even more vital. Without stretching, those working out are more likely to fall victim to injury. Fitness experts preach that stretching prior to any exercise (even walking) is best. It is never too late to begin adding stretches to your workout regimen, so start today!
Take the advice of the experts and get started today with these tips to help you be more successful in your next big race.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richmond, Va.