Training for your first race can seem intimidating but don’t worry, we have a few tips from our title sponsor Under Armour to help you cross the finish line.
Get the Right Gear
The first step to conquering a 5K or 8K is finding the right running gear. It all starts with a properly fitted shoe. Comfort is the most important thing to look for when picking your perfect pair. When you walk, the shoe should feel like it’s rolling along the ground: it wants you to run in them. If you can’t decide between a long-distance shoe or racing flat, try Under Amour’s newest running shoe, the HOVR Machina. The HOVR Machina provides runners with a comfortable, but light-weight cushioning to help you run longer and faster. The shoes are also digitally connected so you can use Under Armour’s MapMyRun app and get personalized coaching tips along the way. Once you find the shoe that’s right for you, give yourself at least two weeks before the race to break them in.
Train and Recover
Once you’ve got the right gear, you’re ready to start training. To help you reach your goals and prevent injury, it’s important to follow a good training plan. If you don’t know where to start, check out our official Spring Run-Off training plan to help runners at every level conquer the race. This plan combines mobility, endurance and strength training to help you become a better runner. Find a pace that works for you and don’t be afraid to take breaks. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on training, stay tuned to the CRS blog as we’ll be sharing another blog post with advice from some of Under Armour’s trainers and ambassadors.
Get social!
Training alone can seem daunting on your first go. Grab a friend or join a run club to keep you motivated. Even when you’re running alone, find support and motivation from other runners on MapMyRun. Share your milestones and create challenges with your friends to keep your training sessions interesting. For even more inspo, find people who motivate you online. Follow running influencers like @ironmom.ca, @dvdjoseph and @emilyrudow for tips, tricks and the extra push you need to get you on your feet.
Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the run!
We’d love to see how you train for your first race. Show us how you’ve put these tips into action on Instagram with #UASpringRunOff.
