Training tips

It is important to be realistic about your targets so make sure you choose a training schedule that will fit around your everyday life. Allow some flexibility so that your running can realistically be balanced with other priorities.

If you think you'll have problems with self-discipline, make running a social event! A training partner can help you relish those good days as well as enduring the bad ones, or better still, join a local running club. To see if any of your team mates need a running partner or can recommend a good running club then email the London Marathon Team Co-ordinator with your question and we'll take care of the rest!

Rest & Recovery

An essential part of your training programme will be putting your feet up!

Over-training is the biggest cause of injuries. Listen to your body! If it genuinely craves a rest, then take it. If an injury appears, stop running and start treating it. Likewise, if you have flu, a feverish cold or a tummy bug, do not train until you have fully recovered.

You may feel sluggish before you start but after you've warmed up and stretched a little, you'll feel raring to go. If you still feel tired at this point, then go easy. There's no benefit in forcing yourself.

Stretching & warming up

Ease in gently to your running with some stretching and warm up exercises; likewise, it is equally important to 'ease out' after an event or training session. Stretching reduces muscle soreness, decreases the chance of injury and improves strength and co-ordination.

Pace

As a guide, if you can sing, you're going too slowly. If you can chat, it's just about right. If you don't want to speak, then slow down, you're going too hard. Your ideal training pulse rate will be around 130-150 beats per minute.

When you need to walk, do so. Next time you'll run all the way and this obvious improvement will keep you motivated and show you it's working.

Be prepared!

There are many other things to think about when you enter the Flora London Marathon apart from just getting out and training regularly. Invest in a decent pair of running shoes and if possible, go to a specialist running store, where you'll get expert advice.

Then there are all those niggling details: Where will you pick up your running number? Where can you meet friends and family after the race? Be sure to read carefully everything that is sent to you by the London Marathon office and the Asthma UK London Marathon Team.

How will asthma affect my training?

  • Exercise & asthma pdf(570kb)
    Exercise induced asthma, playing sports and taking exercise when you have asthma.


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