Building fitness
Endurance training can’t be downloaded or purchased – it has to be built up over time. Rushing your training can lead to fatigue and injuries, which will stop you competing at your best. Stay patient and let your fitness build.
Ben Barwick is a UKA Coach in Running Fitness and works for Mind’s training partner, Full Potential. The team at Full Potential are on hand to help #TeamMind get ready for their active challenges.
Slow and steady
It’s understandable to want to train as hard as possible – it can make you feel like you’re getting the most out of sessions. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach for endurance training! Generally, we need to train slowly to go fast on race day. You’ll need to be disciplined – there’s a time and a place to work hard in your training, but this isn’t every week.
Consistent training is the secret to improving your fitness. Focus on consistency and watch your fitness levels soar.
See the bigger picture
Keep training sessions in perspective. There might be days when you might end up frustrated or disappointed with the pace or distance you’ve covered. Work with your highs and lows. It’s vital you keep the training in perspective and think about the bigger picture. Rest days can be a great time to focus on other interests and hobbies.
Aiming for a personal best?
Remember: your pace only really matters on one day – race day. Everything before that is just training, and you’re probably training too hard if you’re trying to get personal bests on training runs. Aiming for a personal best can be motivating, but it’s not the be all and end all. Reframe it as something you want to achieve, not something you need at any cost.
Training is designed to work a certain energy system, not show you how fit you are. One day you’ll fly along, other days you’ll feel like you’re running through treacle! This is simply the ebb and flow of endurance training, and nothing to worry about.
The training sessions you do all impact each other – you’ll take fatigue from one training session into another. Think about your training in blocks bigger than just one run. Don’t put too much emphasis on the long run, instead think of it as just one element of your training week.
Listen to your body
You know your body better than anyone else, and you have to learn to trust your instincts when it comes to training. Rest should be part of every training plan. Sometimes we might need to switch our training days around to fit around commitments or simply because we don’t feel up to it.
If you need a rest day, take a rest day, be kind to yourself. Training shouldn’t be a punishment. If you think you can do more training, get in touch, and we’ll review what you are doing.
Training can be really empowering, and over time you’ll learn to understand and trust the signals you’re getting from your body. You’ll learn so much about yourself. Our bodies are always telling us what we need, it’s time to tune into those signals and listen.
Important: disclaimer
Please read this information carefully:
Full Potential is an independent service provider. Mind does not endorse or guarantee the services of Full Potential, and you take part in a training programme recommended by Full Potential at your own risk.
It’s your responsibility to consult with your GP to make sure that you’re medically and physically fit and well enough to take part in a Full Potential training programme and – as per our terms and conditions – your fundraising challenge. Mind will not be held responsible for any injury or illness related to your training or taking part in a fundraising event.
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