Importance of having a plan
Training for any endurance event requires commitment, focus and patience to put it all together. Endurance takes time to build. We can’t do it overnight or get someone else to do it for us.
You deserve to have a training plan to take you from today to event day. This plan is going to guide you as to the amount of training you need to do and wants to be specific to the event you are doing and taking your training history into account.
You might need to switch around some of the training in the plan so that it works for you. This is fine. The one thing to avoid is squeezing a whole week’s worth of training into a few days. Make sure you have recovery days as part of the plan. Without them you won’t benefit from all the training you are doing.
You need to trust the training plan you are following. After all, it’s this training that’s going to get you through your race. You are going to spend hours doing all this work. We had better make sure it is the best possible use of your time!
If this plan isn’t realistic for you, you aren’t going to follow it, and then it just becomes another thing you don’t have time for!
As part of Full Potential’s support for Amnesty International UK, we will put together a bespoke training plan to take you from today to race day.
To get yourself a training plan, all you need to do is fill out the online questionnaire below
Once you have done that, we’ll write the plan and get it to you. It’s that easy!
Here are three things to think about when it comes to your training
1. Keep the training varied it up
Stimulating your body and mind is vital to preparing for any sort of challenge. We don’t need you to just run to get fit, and in fact because running is such a high impact sport we need to be careful with the amount of running we do in a week. We can do other types of sessions session, aqua aerobics, yoga, or a brisk walk are just some examples of the plethora of training available to you!
2. Get the balance right
When you have got big running challenge coming up, there is a temptation to start off at 100mph. We want to use that enthusiasm but start out gradually. You need to find a balance between training and the rest of your life. We want to build your training into your life, and not the other way round.
3. See the big picture
Taking on any running challenge is tough. No matter your starting point, you are going to be challenging yourself. There will be a few difficulties along the way, some days you will really look forward to training. Other days you will wonder if it is worth it and whether you aremaking any progress. See your preparation as a big jigsaw puzzle. Each week you put in a few more pieces and make it a little more complete as we get to race day.
Ben Barwick is a UKA Coach in Running Fitness and works for Amnesty International's training partner, Full Potential. Ben Barwick is on hand to help get you ready for your challenge.
Important: Disclaimer
Please read the following carefully:
Full Potential is an independent service provider. Amnesty International does not endorse or guarantee the services provided by Full Potential. Participation in any training programme recommended by Full Potential is at your own risk.
It is your responsibility to consult your GP to confirm you are medically and physically fit to take part in any Full Potential training programme and, as outlined in our terms and conditions, your fundraising challenge. Amnesty International cannot be held liable for any injury or illness resulting from your training or participation in a fundraising event.