With Winter just around the corner, organisers of Wales’ 2nd biggest half marathon are ready to help runners get smart and fit for the colder months ahead.
David Martin-Jewell, race director of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon says:
“Winter training is an important part of being a runner and keeping up the required levels of fitness to continue taking part in races throughout the year. There are lots of runners who dread the colder temperatures and shorter hours of daylight but getting out in the fresh air during autumn and winter is good for the mind, body and spirit. There are lots of ways to combat the winter fatigue and hopefully these tips will encourage everyone to keep up the training or even take up running if you haven’t run before…”
5 Top Tips For Winter
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Stay Safe Be Seen
Daylight hours are getting shorter and those of us who work are finding it harder to get out and run when its light, so it’s important that you wear a head torch when running (even if it’s light when you leave home, chances are it will be dark when you return). Always wear hi-vis or reflective gear so that any vehicles can see you from a distance, even on pavements it’s important to be seen!
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Buddy Up
Running with a friend can be the making of you as a runner, they can motivate you, advise you, encourage you and last of all entertain you while you run! It’s easy to say “not tonight” to yourself or “I’ll give it a miss” when it’s just you going running, but if you are letting someone down it’s a different story. Nobody likes letting their friends down, so buddying up can really be the best thing you do as a runner.
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Dress Right
If you hate the cold and dread the thought of running in freezing temperatures, make sure that you plan your outfit well and layer up according to the weather. Gloves, and head buffs are an essential for winter training, and it’s always advisable to leave a hoody in the car, or wear a wind stopper jacket to keep you warm and dry without overheating whilst your running.
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Go To Your Local Parkrun
We at team SHM are a massive fan and advocate for Parkrun. Swansea hosts its own Parkrun and celebrated it’s 1st Anniversary last Saturday at 360 Beach and Watersports, and we are proud to say that at least one of our team has attended every event that has taken place. It is a fantastic initiative that is for any age or ability, where people come together to walk or run the timed 5k race every Saturday or Sunday in 14 countries world-wide. We would encourage anyone who runs to keep this as part of his or her training calendar throughout the week. To find out more about your local parkrun go to: www.parkrun.com
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Make Time
Everyone struggles with their busy schedules these days, between work, family commitments or other hobbies it can be hard to fit in a run around these. Often it’s about becoming more organised, stop wasting time on the things that are not that important and prioritise tasks. Things can often be juggled around and with a little determination you too can manage to get some runs in the bag!
Emma Martin-Jewell, Marketing Director at Swansea Half Marathon, added:
“I know more than anyone just how much of a challenge it can be to be motivated and make time for running. This year I managed to train and complete the Swansea half marathon for the very first time, all while juggling family life and looking after my four young children. I never ran before and found it a massive struggle to even enjoy it first, let alone think about taking on the challenge of running the half, but I did it thanks to taking on board advice from friends. I know that if I can run a half marathon, anyone can, and hopefully those considering it, will take something from our tips to encourage them to take up running. Who knows where it can lead, you might just surprise yourself! It’s never too early to start training, if you build slowly through the winter and develop in the Spring you will be well prepared for the race in June.”
The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race on fully closed roads that starts in Swansea city centre and takes in six miles of stunning coastline, idyllic marina, and iconic buildings on its course. Suitable to first timers, fun runners, elites and your everyday hero, this simply is a MUST do race for anyone thinking about running a half marathon. The JCP Swansea Half Marathon race takes place in just 8 months, on 25th June 2017. To sign up to take part or keep up with the latest news go to: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk
Like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter.
