For Beginners
A runner needs to take into consideration various factors before choosing a race. Rushing yourself into making decisions is more often than not a poor idea. For running either a 5k or a 10k, careful planning is required to achieve your goal. If you want to pick a race you can run to the end, we have come up with a list of factors that you should assess.
It is equally important to prepare yourself mentally for a run, as it is to prepare physically.
Determining your personal goals, therefore, play an essential role. In order to make a choice, determine factors such as the purpose; if you are running for training or if you wish to cover a certain distance. Ascertaining your goals would give you a clarity of mind, and help you limit the available options.
Distance is another crucial factor that you must examine before choosing a race. If you wish to pick a race that you can finish, then you need to assess your physical health. If you are a beginner, then, it is better that you opt for a smaller distance. Your training schedule will also depend on this factor.
Running a race requires a long period of training. Runners must prepare themselves both physically and mentally. Your training schedule depends on the availability of time. Choose a race for which you can commit to training. A properly planned running program is indispensable.
Choosing a terrain with which you are comfortable, or which complements your goals is equally important. Make sure to go through the elevation chart to decide if your body can handle that.
Choosing the right running trainers for the terrain is another aspect to keep in mind.
While these are some of the most basic factors you should consider, you can also go through the weather forecast; pick a race in a season that you prefer. Make sure that you are fuelling your body adequately for the race. A proper diet chart would be quite helpful. Once you have taken care of these factors, choosing a race that you will be able to finish, will become easier.
