Fitness and Training Advice
Running - By Veteran distance runner - PC Steven Broadbent
I don't profess to be an expert and I am certainly not fast
runner. I consider myself a plodder but admit that my forté is distance
rather than speed.
I have enjoyed running since my first school cross-country
run when I was 14. I hated football and enjoyed seeing my mates scowling at
the teacher when he announced football was off due to waterlogged pitches
and cross country was on! A chance to get my own back off the pitch I
thought, I was one of the minority in school who seemed to enjoy running.
So it was the early days that allowed me to develop a
positive attitude toward what is perhaps considered to be a solitary,
minority sport - You do have to get some kind of personal satisfaction out of it - if you hate it
then its an uphill struggle. If you take to it, you will soon learn that it
is not as solitary as one might think and you will realise that you are not
in a minority. To find out more then read on........
There are five distinct advantages gained from
Running....
Good
health and fitness
Weight
loss
Personal
achievement
Meeting
new people
Seeing new
places
I will now attempt to
expand on my advice. I don't propose to go into great detail as I intend
this article to be a 'quick start' method.
Getting
started.......
Kit
You don't need to go out and spend a
fortune on kit. Most people will have a pair of trainers, top, bottoms and
so on. It is not a fashion parade out there so just sling some kit on and
get started. Think about upgrading your shoes and kit in a few weeks, once
you properly hooked.
Don't run until you can walk
If you are a novice or haven't run
for some time then just spend the first week or so walking. Many make the
mistake of belting off down the road and get out of breath within minutes
and this can be off putting and can reverse the whole process!
About 20% of my distance training
involves walking. For example, I vary my training patterns by going off hiking
for the day with my wife. No running
involved but a 10 mile walk over four or five hours has more benefit than
the same distance run done in just over the hour. I am on my pins four times longer
and this builds stamina. It is also very sociable, allowing a relationship
to flourish by sharing an outdoor activity.
Mileage and Distances
You don't have to run
great distances to get fit. It is all relative to your level of fitness at
any particular time. I run an average of 50 miles a week. However, a
newcomer need only run say five or ten miles in a week (a couple of hours) to
experience the same benefit.
20 - 30 minutes a day
five or six days a week is a good bench mark to begin with.
Where?
Everyone I speak to
thinking of taking up running says the sport is boring. You need to choose
the right place. Parks, canal tow paths, promenades and quiet country lanes
are my favourites. Steering clear of people and traffic is advisable. It
helps to be inconspicuous as possible and away from exhaust fumes to make
your run time more enjoyable.
Good training ground - Quiet
country lanes
When?
Fit your training in
around your routine. You need to make or find time to get out. It is very
easy to convince yourself there isn't enough time to get out for half an
hour. Before work, to and from work, lunchtimes, before bed. There is always
a half hour slot somewhere in the day.
With Who?
I generally
train alone as it makes it easy to organise my valuable training time. I
also find the time alone gives you time to think, collect your thoughts and
feel more relaxed.
Progress....
Join a club or gym
If you prefer company
while you train then consider joining a running club or gym. This way you
can meet up with other like minded runners that can assist in overall
progress and encouragement.
Or why not join your
very own Club - the Lancashire Constabulary Athletics Section? You are then
able to take part in any of the running related fixtures held throughout the
year. By enrolling as a member you will be e-mailed the latest fixtures and
also be affiliated to the AAA's giving you discounted race entry fees.
Members of the
Lancashire Constabulary Running Club line up in Edinburgh for the
PSUK 10 mile road
race 2002
Enter Races
The thought of
entering a race can be daunting for the first time. However, look on them as
structured training days rather than races. Again, a chance to meet up with
people and bench mark yourself over a measured distance. Races also
discipline you and get you out on a given date and time.
Many races have
finishing medals and these can go a long way with novice runners in
assisting their overall enthusiasm to continue running. Bettering your time
in the next race gives you a target and this is what gives runners that all
important 'drive' to continue the sport.
Grand Union Canal Race 2003
Other Running Tips.....
Subscribe to "Running" magazine
This
is the best monthly running publication that is packed with tips on health
and fitness, training advice, race calendars, running kit sales, shoe guides
and so on. It won't be the first time that I have read a copy of 'Running'
at breakfast then gone out on an unplanned run with enthusiasm.
Don't Become Obsessed
It is easy to catch
the running bug. However, obsession can lead to injury and burn-out. Take it
easy and always allow one day a week rest. Or if you need to get out - go
walking instead.
Try Cross-training
Swimming and cycling
are perhaps the best cross sports that would benefit your overall running
performance.
Variety
Don't forget you can
consider other terrain to make your runs more interesting and enjoyable.
Cross country, fell running, walking trials and canal tow paths.
Weight is the 'Golden Key' to Success
Your weight is the
key to improving your performance. If you are already skinny then skip this
section! - however, most people do have a few pounds to shed and this can
make a marked difference on your performance. It is not easy to lose weight
while training as one tends to eat more to compensate for the burnt
calories. It is a case of getting the balance right.
I cut out alcohol
from my diet, not every ones favourite choice to abstain from but it made a significant
difference to my marathon times and this is how I now achieve continued
sub 3 hour marathon times.
My simple philosophy
is that as you begin to lose weight you notice the difference and feel
lighter - by feeling lighter you don't tire as quick and can train longer
and harder - by training longer you lose more weight......and so it goes on,
an upward spiral. However, please beware, this advice is easier said than done
- you need to be
very disciplined.
Finally.....
Aim High - Set Yourself Targets
In 1983 I ran my
first marathon race in Windermere in 4 hours 02 minutes. Five years on, in
1988, I ran the Berlin Marathon in 3 hours 02 minutes knocking one hour off
my time.
From 1988 to 1997 I
ran twenty five more marathons attempting to break 3 hours. It was only
until 1997 that I eventually got my training/diet right and ran 2 hours 54
minutes! Mission accomplished.
My next goal is to
break 2.50 - 8 years on I am still at it - I will do it. Again, I just have to get
the timing right. This is what drives me forward - determined and.....you must
never say you are too old - Watch this space!
At long last - Mission accomplished - the first of four
sub 3 hour marathons
Good Luck and enjoy your running!
After 30 years of very enjoyable running I
could keep throwing in lots of other advice and tips. I will stop here but
please contact me if you want to ask any further questions and require any
further tips or advice.
Further Running advice
I propose to publish a further article toward
the end of the year discussing more advanced training methods including
schedules, race preparation, health and diet.
Veteran runner - PC Steven Broadbent
E-Mail:
Steve Broadbent
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