We thought it worthy to note the London Marathon is now approximately six months away so it really is time to start your build up if this is on your list of achievements. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
Choosing shoes. The right running shoe can be confusing and there is a lot of information and choice out there. Choosing the wrong shoe can often lead to pain and occasionally injury. Running shoe companies will often update their construction and available shoes season by season so if you have found a shoe that is comfortable for you get three pairs – you will need them.
If you are unsure what shoes to purchase: come and see us at Total Foot Heath. We can advise you by looking closely at your running technique.
Be aware of ‘niggles’. Minor discomforts can be become huge pains as you crank up the mileage so any recurring minor problems are worth getting checked out to prevent them becoming injuries that stop you training, or worse. Our specialist gait analysis facilities have been specially designed to identify the exact causes of overuse injuries.
Should the worse happen and you get injured. Follow the simple rules of R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It is worth keeping an ice pack in the freezer or a spare bag of peas, just in case. Again do not ignore the injury as it is unlikely to heal properly without specialist help.
Speed is made up of two elements, cadence (steps per minute) and stride length. Your cadence tends not to change over time, but can be controlled. With stretching and strengthening you can really improve your stride length. Our team here is well equipped to help you get the best out of yourself.
Don’t forget recovery is important. So eating correctly and getting enough rest is as important as that post run stretch.