TIP 3: DEVELOP YOUR STRATEGY

Once you get started on your exercise journey (tip one), and establish a good pre-workout routine (tip two), the next step is to develop your running strategy! When developing your strategy, your first objective will be to decide the particular distance that you want to train for.  Once you have the distance determined, you can then design a route that best fits your distance needs. The great thing about running is that you have the freedom to choose where you want to go, and when you want to go there.  If you enjoy a particular setting or view, you can adapt your running to meet those desires! If you enjoy running at a certain time, you can plan your exercise routine around that time of day. While some people prefer running in a neighborhood, others may choose to exercise in a park or on a trail. The sky is the limit in determining where your training can take place.

After you determine a running route, the next objective in developing your running strategy will be to choose a training plan.  While there are various training plans to choose from, it is important to find one that fits your particular exercise background.  If you are just beginning a running journey, it will be important to find a training plan that is designed for beginning runners.  Many training plans will give you the exact information on what you should accomplish each day to meet your specific goals! The training plan will take into account the distance that is set, the amount of time until the race, as well as the runners particular strengths and weaknesses.

This week as your develop a training strategy, make sure to give yourself grace, and enjoy the process of building your body strength to meet your specific goals! Determine a distance goal to work towards, set a running route for yourself, and research and choose a training plan to follow for each day!