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Running from Couch to Competitor
It’s never too late to start the transition from lazy to laced up.
Running away from the couch to becoming a competitor. It’s never too late to start the transition from lazy to laced up.
By Sunil Ramsamooj
If you’re trying to lose weight or improve your overall fitness, running is one of the best decisions you can make. And now the running season is here (it’s always running season!), there’s no better time to get in shape. To help you get started, we turned for advice to Jonathan Cane, a competitive runner, cyclist, triathlete and president of City Coach, an online service that coaches runners at all fitness levels.
Start gradually
No matter how fit you are, running puts more stress on your joints than cardio activities such as cycling or swimming, so you have to transition into it slowly. “For the first couple of weeks, stick with short runs,” Cane says. Always do a brisk five-minute walk to warm up. Then, alternate between a couple of minutes’ running and walking for a total of 20-30 minutes. As your timed walk/run becomes easier, move to specific distances. After your warm-up walk, jog 200-400 metres, then walk the same distance, and then run 200-400m more. Repeat the walk-run cycle until your half-hour workout is up.
Allow for recovery
Limit your runs to three times a week, Cane says. Run one day, then recover the next. The time off allows your joints and connective tissue to adapt. Complement your running with strength training. Working your glutes, abductors, adductors and core can amp up fat loss as well.
Set a goal
Each week, try to cover more total distance in your workout or run at a slightly faster speed so that you’re always making progress. “Come back aggressively each workout,” Cane says, “but don’t overdo it.” You want to make steady gains and improvements every week, but you need to be smart so you don’t end up with an injury before you’ve barely started.
Pick the right location
When getting started, soft terrain such as a treadmill is ideal, Cane says. “It’s more forgiving on your joints.” As you get better at running indoors, start increasing the incline on the treadie so that it more accurately mimics outdoor runs. “When you’re ready to head outdoors, try to find a hard-packed trail,” Cane says. “Avoid concrete if you can. Even asphalt is softer and more forgiving.” Use your first outdoor runs to help re-establish the kind of mileage you’re used to running on the treadmill while giving your joints a chance to get used to running in the “real” world.
Consider a race
Even if you’re not planning to compete, training for a race is a good way to stay motivated and keep yourself on track, Cane says. Pick a shortie such as a 5K. Don’t worry about your time or placing — the goal should simply be to finish. By the time you have a couple of races under your running shorts, you’ll know if you want to try anything longer. And by then, you’ll have built the skills and habits you need to keep running regularly, even if it’s just around the neighbourhood instead of under the gun.
Ready for a bigger distance?
Australia’s largest and most iconic Half Marathon event, The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Qantas Assure is back on Sunday 20th May, 2018. Runners of every caliber can tackle the prestigious race which takes runners around a picturesque 21.1km course with a backdrop of the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Pyrmont Peninsula and Hyde Park. Along with the individual Half Marathon, the event provides participants with the option to share the experience by entering the Team Relay, incorporating two legs, 11km for the 1st runner and 10km for the 2nd runner. This year will also see the return of the 2.5km Elite Wheelchair Sprint.
Now in its 27th year, the electric atmosphere created by the mixture of local, interstate and international participants of all levels pushing through barriers has made The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon the most impressive race of its kind.
Keen runners looking for an extra reward or a bit of pamper time can also get the VIP treatment by purchasing one of the limited Platinum Passes which includes a personalised race bib, exclusive access to the VIP area and Race Brunch, massage services and much more.
Put your physical and mental limits to the test in 2018 and register today for The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Qantas Assure at www.smhhalfmarathon.com.au
KEY DATES:
Early Bird entries | 8 Feb – 20 Mar | save $25
Standard entries | 21 Mar – 1 May | save $15
Late entries | 2 May – 19 May
