 When you’re considering signing up for a marathon or other race down the road, it’s tempting to jump right into the training. But smart runners will tell you how important it is to have some solid weekly mileage—or a running base—under your belt first.
“When you hear about building a training base, think about it like building a foundation for a house on the beach: As much as you might want to just go out and set up a roof and four walls in the sand, laying a concrete foundation first is crucial,” says Erin Beck, NASM-certified personal training and director of training and experience for STRIDE Fitness. “Doing so supports the structure of the roof and walls on top of it.”
Even if your end goal isn’t a marathon but a 5K or 10K, laying some groundwork before you dip your toes in the training waters will help ensure you reach the finish line feeling strong and proud.
Here’s exactly what constitutes a strong running base, plus how to establish one, according to your experience and upcoming race plans. |
When you’re considering signing up for a marathon or other race down the road, it’s tempting to jump right into the training. But smart runners will tell you how important it is to have some solid weekly mileage—or a running base—under your belt first.
“When you hear about building a training base, think about it like building a foundation for a house on the beach: As much as you might want to just go out and set up a roof and four walls in the sand, laying a concrete foundation first is crucial,” says Erin Beck, NASM-certified personal training and director of training and experience for STRIDE Fitness. “Doing so supports the structure of the roof and walls on top of it.”
Even if your end goal isn’t a marathon but a 5K or 10K, laying some groundwork before you dip your toes in the training waters will help ensure you reach the finish line feeling strong and proud.
Here’s exactly what constitutes a strong running base, plus how to establish one, according to your experience and upcoming race plans. |
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