Train Smarter Not Harder: Tips To Help You Win Your Next Race

So, running a race is no joke. It takes hours and hours of hard work and discipline in your diet and your workouts. To me that sounds like a lot of work. But I guess that’s the point. But what’s all that work for without the pay off and the win?
So, here are a few tips to help you train smarter and win your next race.
 

PREPARATION

So, when preparing for a race, everyone thinks about the physical preparation it takes to run a race. But I think that many people forget about the strategy of running a fast race.
Before you run, learn the
course the race will take place on. Learn the curves so you can pick the fastest line to run.
Don’t just follow the curves of the road. Run from curve to curve so you are running a straight line.
Also, note where the water stations will be. And make sure you don’t pick the first station that pops up. Pick one further down so that you don’t get caught in the pack.
Also, find one on the left if you can because many people are right handed. They will all go to those tables or stations. Doing some prep work before you race can give you a huge advantage when running your race.
 

It’s all in your head

Races are really an endurance test. Both physically and mentally. Everyone knows about the
physical strain but I think that many forget about the mental prep that you should do before you run.
So, before your next race, try doing some mediation. Spend time in quite contemplation on the route you are going to run and how you will feel.
Work on positive reinforcement. Doing this before a race will help you keep a calm mind during the race… Which will help increase your endurance and help with form and breathing.
The calmer and more relaxed you are, the deeper you can breath and the better your race will be.
 

and the beat goes on

The last big training tip is one that many trainers are having their athletes use these days. That is, to TRAIN with MUSIC. When running a race, it’s all about rhythm. And running with music will help you.
When training with music, what you really want to do is focus on the beats per minute.
As you listen to the beats, it will be easy to set any pace you want and then stay on it. I would recommend getting a waterproof iPodShuffle from Underwater Audio.
Did you hear the part where I said, “it’s waterproof“? And it works great. With waterproof earphones you won’t have to worry about the weather or sweat ruining your headphones.
Be sure to choose faster and slower music to give yourself a little rest without loosing your stride as you run.
 

what’s the word

If you try these hints and helps, I know that you will see an improvement in your runs and your races. If you have any other hints or ideas, please leave them in the comment section below.
RUN LONG AND PROSPER!