Maintaining training momentum
Having your event delayed or cancelled can really hit you right where it hurts. It’s the moment you’ve been building up to, and to find out it’s been cancelled or postponed can be hugely disappointing.
It’s never easy to have goalposts moved, but this is certainly an unprecedented time and we’re all learning to roll with whatever comes our way. Trust us, we’re no experts in this, but here’s how we look at it…
If your event has been postponed, then you can be confident that you will be on that start line when it rolls around as an even better version of yourself right now. If it has been cancelled, then we need to refocus and rebook an event when the dust settles. Either way, all is not lost!
Getting outside for a local run or walk can be a good thing, but make sure you follow the latest Government advice around exercising, social distancing and self isolation. We need to protect ourselves and our communities – so exercise at a safe distance from others, pick less busy routes, avoid any unnecessary travel and stay within the Government’s guidelines.
Here’s our 5 top tips to keep your training momentum going:
If you are able to get out, and want to, then take the opportunity – being sure to follow government guidelines. If for example you are training for a marathon, then stick with what you’ve been doing, but dial it back on the longest runs. Pushing yourself through tough 16mile+ runs will not benefit your Autumn/Winter race and could impact your immune system through elevating cortisol levels.
Once you finish an event, how often do you look back and analyse all the things you wish you did differently? Well, now’s your chance to remedy those issues before you even race. Could you benefit from building stronger foundations, incorporating more intelligent strength & conditioning sessions, losing body fat through tighter nutrition or spending time addressing some persistent niggles? For once, you have the time to tackle it head on – embrace it!
Many training programmes are heavily focused solely on the activity itself – cycling, running etc. – so take this as an opportunity to make yourself more well-equipped.
If you are relatively new to strength work, you’ll notice significant improvements in performance through bodyweight work. Those who are more experienced can use resistance bands, dumbbells or kettlebells to build muscles and joints. A variety of lunge patterns, squats, leg work, glute and core exercises will not only make you a better and more efficient runner but will also keep those niggles at bay.
Lots of these exercises can be done at home so nothing is stopping you! You could do them in your garden or during your ongoing Netflix binge.
Check out Nick Collins’ YouTube channel for some great inspiration!
Swap your current training plan for a more manageable one – for example a 5km or 10km plan that allows you to maintain your fitness whilst not pushing yourself too much. Enjoy your daily exercise and focus on your wellbeing. When the time is right, you’ll be able to go back to a training plan that will help you achieve your goal.
We all need structure in our lives, especially in uncertain times like these. Set yourself some virtual challenges. Whether it’s distance, strength, mindset & breathing or a combination of it all.
Remember to continue following government guidelines closely over the next few months and alter your approach to training depending on government restrictions.
Above all, keep yourself and those closest to you safe. The dust will settle and that medal will be all the sweeter after this challenging journey!
P.S. this was written for you on the 26.03.2020. As we know, things are changing rapidly so please follow the most recent government guidelines and keep up to date with new advice.
