Running in Races - Training to Be Your Best Involves Setting Goals

By Jenny Stinson

Running in races can be fun and challenging. And, whether you want to run the distance or want to run faster, training for a race requires setting a goal and implementing appropriate training to reach that goal.

If you are a beginning runner, your goal may be to run a particular distance, such as a 5K. If you are an intermediate runner, your goal may be to run a little faster than your previous race time. If you are an advanced runner, your goal may be to win an age group award. Whatever you're training for, having goals helps you stay motivated and helps you focus on reaching those goals.

There are 3 basic things you can start with that will help you improve your running and move you toward your goal:

1. Run with a partner or group. Look for someone whose abilities are similar to yours. Having a partner can help you get accustomed to running a little faster. Running partners often push each other to train a little harder. You obviously don't have to run with someone everyday, but one day a week can improve your running.



2. Keep track of your progress. A daily log of your training can help you track improvements. You can also record your physical as well as your mental reactions to your workouts. A log can be both a diagnostic and a motivational tool, helping you assess where you need more work and boosting your confidence by showing you how much you've improved.



3. Set your training routes. Most of us have certain routes we run on a regular basis. This can be a great training tool. If you know a route that is a specific distance, you can use this route to do some speed training. If you know that you run a particular time on a moderate training day, you can try to beat that time for the same distance on a hard training day. You don't have to train on a track to get in some speed workouts.

Whatever your goal, you want to be your best. And, when you know you're doing your best, you'll gain confidence, be happier, and feel better about yourself.

And, now I would like to offer you a free special report entitled, "Running 4 Your Life: How to Improve Your Physical, Emotional, Relationship, and Spiritual Health." Go to http://www.Running4YourLifeblog.net

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