Before you read this remind yourself why you are doing the event. Hopefully, to raise money for our farmers in the Shoalhaven is number one, as a bit of a bonus you can use it to get fit and healthy along the way. With around 6-8 weeks until event day, you have time to get yourself prepared.
Firstly, have a goal. Is your goal to get your WHOLE family or workplace involved and have fun along the way? Leave nobody behind? Do you want to bring your dog and have an excuse for you both to get out and enjoy beautiful Huskisson Coastline? Do you want to try to run the 5km, or as much of it as you can? Or for those more serious runners, maybe you want to aim for a PB?! (The course is pretty flat).
No matter your goal, these tips will help you prepare:
Set yourself a goal: Whatever your level, setting goals is important for staying focused and motivated. Make your goals realistic to avoid becoming demoralised. Maybe building up to being able to walk comfortably for 30 minutes, or being able to run continuously for 10minutes or to get out everyday and aim for 15 minutes of movement- walking, running, playing with the kids- just MOVE. This will help keep you on track.
Run or Walk with a friend or colleague: It really helps to have someone about the same level of ability as you to walk or run with. You’ll encourage each other when you’re not so keen to get started. You’ll feel you don’t want to let your walking/ running partner down, and this will help motivate you to at least turn up. That’s always the hardest part of training for anything!
Keep a diary: Keep a diary of your walks or runs. Note down each walk or run, including your route, distance, time, weather conditions and how you felt. That way, whenever your motivation is flagging, you can look back and be encouraged by how much you’ve improved.
Mix it up: Keep your training interesting by adding variety. Walking or Running the same route over and over again can become boring. Vary your distances and routes and add in some cross training- circuits, boxing, playing cricket or footy with the kids.
Make sure in the week leading up to the event (especially the few days preceding the event) that you hydrate, no not with alcohol unfortunately (that can come later, if you choose) but water! If it’s a hot day, which it can be in November, you want to start the event well hydrated. This will keep you feeling good, full of energy and make the whole experience so much more enjoyable
Join Tracey from BUF Shoalhaven while she takes you through a warm up to get your body ready for your walk or run. She will be available if you want to ask any last minute tips too…
Smile for the camera and give others on course words of encouragement. It’s so much more fun if you enjoy the atmosphere. Pat yourself on the back for doing something worthwhile, getting healthy while helping our farmers. Get the whole family/ office involved and make sure you dance for the DJ as you make your way round the course and when you cross that finish line. Did you know that by smiling (even if you force it) you will boost your mood by up to 10%, and even better force a laugh and your body will trigger hormones making you truly genuinely happier!
This event is for everyone of all ability, shapes, sizes and gender. Please come along, have fun and join us to help our local farmers.