Getting started with training
Training for any event needs commitment, focus and patience. Endurance takes time to build. We can’t do it overnight, and we can’t get someone else to do it for us!
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.
Do I need a training plan?
Whether you’re running, cycling, or trekking, you should have a plan to take you from today to event day. This plan will show you how much training you need to do, and how to spread it out.
A good training plan is:
- Trustworthy. You’re going to spend hours doing all this work, so it’s important that it’s making the best possible use of your time and you trust the process.
- Realistic. If the plan isn’t realistic for you, you won’t follow it, and it won’t help you get ready for your event.
- Flexible. You might need to switch around some of the training in the plan so that it works for you. This is fine. But it’s important that you never try to squeeze a whole week’s worth of training into a few days.
- Balanced. Make sure you have recovery days as part of the plan. Without them you won’t benefit from all the training you are doing.
Personalised training plans
Full Potential is on hand to create personalised training plans for anyone taking on an active challenge for #Team Mind.
Learn more about personalised training plans
To get a personalised training plan to take you through until the big day, you simply complete a short questionnaire. The coaches at Full Potential will review your questionnaire and send you a personalised training plan via email.
Tips to kickstart your training
Get the balance right
When you’ve got a big physical challenge coming up, it can be tempting to immediately start training as hard as you can.
We want you to start out gradually. You need to find a balance between training and the rest of your life. We want to build training into your life, and not the other way around. This way, you'll find it easier to stay on track and enjoy the process.
Mix it up
Stimulating your body and mind is vital to preparing for any sort of challenge. We don’t want you doing just one sport to build fitness. Mixing up your training will make this journey more enjoyable. You could try walking, gym classes, aqua aerobics or yoga, for example.
See the big picture
Taking on any challenge is tough. No matter your starting point, you’re going to be pushing yourself. There will be a few ups and downs along the way. Some days you’ll really look forward to training, others you’ll wonder if it’s worth it and whether you’re making any progress. It can help to see your preparation as a big picture – each week you paint a little bit more to make it more complete.
Looking after your mental health when training
We know physical activity can be an amazing way to support our mental health and help us feel good. But it isn’t helpful for everyone all the time and can lead to problems for some of us. It’s important to recognise that some of us can develop an unhealthy relationship with exercise.
If you’re concerned about your relationship with exercise, check out our information and tips.
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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