Successful tapering

For distance running, tapering involves reducing the volume of training in the weeks leading up to a race. This can involve the distance you run and even the weights you use during strength training. While reducing your mileage, emphasizing cool-down and stretching after your workout is also important. Tapering is crucial to ensure that you are fully recovered from previous workouts and well-rested for your race – it impacts your performance!

Typically, the taper period for a half-marathon is around two weeks, and should begin after your longest training run. Here is more information on the mileage that you should run during your taper period. Remember to use your own average mileage when calculating your taper mileage as everyone trains differently.

In addition to tapering, another important aspect to increase your success during race day is to ensure that you get enough sleep. On average, individuals should aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep per day. Adequate sleep is important for recovery, especially since your body has been working hard to follow your training plan. Here are some tips that can help you sleep better.

Before your race

Some important reminders the day before / of the race include:

• Getting a good night’s rest
• Preparing what you need to bring to the race beforehand: race bib / timing chip, wallet, phone, keys, earphones, watch, hat, etc.
• Staying hydrated with water
• Eating foods before the race that will keep you fueled throughout your race
• Wearing thin layers that are breathable and easy to remove if necessary

Race day logistics

Depending on the half-marathon you sign up for, here is a checklist of questions that you may want to familiarize yourself with:

• Is there a package pick-up before the event?

  This is usually found in the form of an email outlining a venue and time to pick up any race gear, including your race bib, a time chip, or event goodies

• Do you know the race route?

  Each race has a different start and finish line, so know where you should be going before the day of the event to prevent confusion and added anxiety!

• What time should you be there?

  If the event allows you to check in a bag, make sure to get there early to prevent waiting in long lineups. If you can carry what you need without a bag, I would recommend going without one. In addition, getting there early means that you can stretch, warm-up, and mentally prepare before the race.

• Are there water stations/toilets?

  Most events provide refreshment stations along the race route and access to toilets. To be safe, I would always try to go to the washroom before the race starts – which also emphasizes the importance of arriving early.

Post-race

After the race, the next step is ensuring that you have a safe recovery. Your body must replenish the energy used to run 21.1km!

• Staying hydrated after the event is just as important as before or during the race
• As mentioned in my previous blog, eating foods that contain protein is critical for muscle repair, and eating foods that contain carbohydrates to replenish glucose stores
• Stretching and cooling down can help shorten your recovery time and reduce muscle soreness
• Lastly, don’t forget to rest!

Now that you’ve read through this entire blog series, the next step is to sign up for your half-marathon, and get to training!

May Guan – Client Care Manager/Cardio Trainer

May developed her passion for fitness from participating in multiple sports at a young age – eventually finding her love for both playing and coaching volleyball. She is also an avid hiker and distance runner, and is always in search of a new challenge. May believes in fostering a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where people can achieve their health-related goals.

The post Ready to Run a Half-Marathon? – Part 3: Race Day Tips and Tricks first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

Many of us have New Years resolutions. A common goal shared amongst New Years revolutionists is to run a marathon. Though it can be daunting and require lots of preparation, it is definitely an achievable task. A marathon has an official race distance of 42.2 kilometers and typically takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Luckily for you, there are several local marathons happening in and around Vancouver in 2019. If you are reading this, chances are you have done some sort of distance running in the past. Using the 4 month training guide provided below, you will be running your first marathon in no time!

How to Prepare / Things you will need

1. Proper running shoes – Should be snug around the middle of the foot and heel, lightweight and breathable
2. Breathable clothes
3. Water bottle
4. Timer or watch
5. Reflective bands or lights if running in the dark
6. Sweatband or hat (optional)
7. Earphones + music (optional)
8. Heart rate monitor (optional)

Running Tips

1. Warm up – the greatest athletes always start with a warm up 5-10 minute in duration. This can include dynamic movements or stretches.
2. Pace yourself – under pace yourself if necessary. Some of these runs can be quite lengthy, so start out slow and push at then end.
3. Bring snacks/gels or a hydration pack – to refuel/hydrate during your training.
4. Taper off the week before – we want your muscles to feel refreshed and have time to fully recover before your big race.

Post Run Tips

1. Stretch – important areas to stretch following an intense running session include: quadriceps, hip flexors, hamstrings, calves and the gluteus maximus
2. Foam roll – after each running session, roll out your legs and give yourself a massage. Foam rolling aids in healing and recovery by promoting blood flow to the area.
3. Post workout meal – eat a nutrient-dense meal after your session with carbohydrates and protein. Eating carbohydrates will help replenish the glycogen used during your run, while protein will aid in muscle recovery.
4. Ice bath or Compression – This can aid in recovery after an intense session. See my previous blog here for more information

Marathons in Vancouver

1. BMO Marathon – May 5th, 2019
2. Tynehead 5/8/12 Hour Marathon – July 6, 2019
3. RMHBC Boundary Bay – November 4, 2019

4 Month – Training Schedule

Kevin Kwok – Studio Coordinator

Kevin enrolled in numerous sports program as a child, which exposed him to an active lifestyle early in life. He played ultimate frisbee competitively at the junior level while in high school. Kevin now focuses his training exclusively on dragon boating. He has been paddling for the past 2 years and hopes to make the Canadian National Team in 2019. He hopes he can motivate others to accomplish their short and long term fitness goals.

The post Want to Run a Marathon in 2019? first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

With the 23rd Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in full swing, and nearly 3000 athletes from 92 nations hungry for gold, These Olympic Games will surely be one for the history books. Each of these athletes have trained their entire lives for this moment with hopes of standing at the top of the podium with hardware hanging around their necks. Multiple hours are spent each day completing strenuous training regimens, but do you ever wonder how these athletes are able to train with such intensity without feeling excessively fatigued? The answer is a proper recovery plan.

Although the majority of us are not training to become Olympic athletes, That 45-minute gym session is enough to leave most of us sore, fatigued and uninspired. These three recovery methods have been proven to help restore your energy levels and leave you feeling energized every gym session.

Recovery Tip #1 Post-Workout Meal

Following a moderate to intense workout session, there is a 60-minute anabolic window in which your body has the greatest potential for growth. This meal should consist of healthy carbohydrates and a substantial amount of protein. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy used during endurance training, with carbohydrate stores near depletion following a moderate session. Strength training on the other hand, tear muscle fibers apart and require protein to help rebuild these components.

Recovery Tip #2 Compression

Compression clothing has become increasingly popular over the years and is said to help prevent DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) by increasing blood flow and waste product removal. DOMS is essentially the soreness and stiffness in the muscles following demanding exercise and typically occurs 24-72 hours post-workout. Compression clothing can also be worn during workouts as it is moisture wicking material and perfect for preventing sweat from pooling, while simultaneously keeping you warm for outdoor activities. With the mild weather we get in Vancouver, compression gear is perfect for a run along the seawall.

Recovery Tip #3 Ice Baths

Feeling hot and sweaty after your workout? An ice bath is a perfect way to cool down and assist in recovery. Ice baths help flush out waste products, with the most common one being lactic acid. Lactic acid buildup in muscles is thought to contribute to fatigue and muscle soreness. It also helps reduce swelling by reducing inflammation at the targeted muscle tissue. Ice is not necessary, as long as the water is colder than your body temperature. A common temperature used is 8-10 degrees Celsius.

Kevin Kwok – Client Care Manager

 Kevin enrolled in numerous sports program as a child, which exposed him to an active lifestyle early in life. He played ultimate frisbee competitively in at the junior level while in high school. Kevin now focuses his training exclusively on dragon boating. He has been paddling for the past 2 years and hopes to make the Canadian National Team in 2019. He hopes he can motivate others to accomplish their short and long term fitness goals

The post 3 Recovery Methods That Olympic Athletes Use first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.