Top Training Tips from MoonWalker Emma

If you are reading this then chances are that you are training for The MoonWalk London marathon.

Well done! You are amazing, you really are. You have chosen to take action. Instead of just talking about it, you are doing it!

Now comes the hard bit. Reality has probably dawned on you by now. You should now be training regularly and following the training guide that you have been sent. You have now realised that this isn’t a walk in the park! This is at least a half-marathon or even a marathon! Those niggles of self-doubt will be pricking at the back of your mind. Don’t listen to them, ignore those prickles and remind yourself why you are doing this. Chances are you are walking for a loved one or perhaps you have been affected by cancer. One in 8 of us will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in our lives. This is why we are doing this. We are raising money so that hopefully lives can be saved, so that someone doesn’t have to lose their mother, daughter or sister. We are doing an amazing (and maybe slightly bonkers) thing.

This former couch potato is now well into her training. I thought that I would share with you what has worked for me

• Commit to a time that you will train. For me it is first thing in the morning (I’m talking crack of dawn). I do it the same time every day. If I can do this then anyone can. I’m not a morning person (my husband will vouch for that) but it works for me because I get it done and then I can get on with my day. Find a time that works for you and stick to it! 

• Have your exercise clothes ready for the next day. Fold them up and have them out where you can see them. That way you will have no excuses. It is your visual reminder that you need to exercise. 

• Make sure that you are properly hydrated. You need to be drinking lots of water now that you are exercising - at least 2 litres a day! 

• Follow the plan. Build yourself up gradually, do not try and do too much too soon. You will regret it! 

• However, it is also important that you listen to your body. If you are struggling or finding one week hard then take it at a slower pace and repeat the week if necessary. 

• Mixing it up. I have found mixing up my exercise helps with training as I then don’t get bored. Therefore, on the days that I am not running/walking I will alternate with rowing or perhaps some yoga or even weights. This means you are less likely to become bored and stop training. The same applies to walking. Sometimes I might tell myself that I am going to pick up the pace for a song, or that I am going to slowly jog for one song and then walk for one song. It is important that you have fun with it! When you are walking you could do it on the treadmill and/or outdoors. Find some new routes to go walking. 

• Listen to music, audio books or podcasts. By listening to something else you find that you are not focusing on how many miles you have to do. 

• If you are struggling on the long walks then break it down. Tell yourself you will only walk for two miles and then you will see how you are feeling, then aim for another two miles and so on. 

• Tell everyone what you are doing. Share your training. This makes you accountable and then you are more likely to carry on. I am sharing it on my blog: Island Living 365 so I know that I have to do it because I don’t want to admit to people that I have given up. You could do this by updating people on your donation page. Also tell friends and family and ask for their support. 

• Find a training buddy. This could be a friend or family member. You can even sign up for a training buddy on the Walk the Walk site. 

• When you have finished exercising make sure that you take the time to cool down properly. Lots of stretches. If you ache try a bath with Epsom salts. 

Training for the MoonWalk marathon isn’t easy but it’s not meant to be. If it was then everybody would be doing it and we wouldn’t be raising money. It is going to hurt and there will be times when you will want to give-up. When you are feeling like this remind yourself why you are doing it and who you are doing it for. Remind yourself how lucky you are that you are able to train for a marathon. Remind yourself of the difference you are making. 

You can do this.

Emma

Why not join Emma at The 20th MoonWalk London... unite with us against breast cancer and help make a difference.