It's the height of RACE SEASON and we have a lot of athletes and novices who train at our boot camp to prepare for a race, whether it be a 5K or 10K run or a half marathon, marathon, triathlon, Xterra, or an Ironman race. Here are some tips to help you prepare for race day:
1) Having a postive mental attitude is key to having a successful race! Use your warm up time to focus your mind and think about the goals you have set for the race. You might want to win it, to beat a personal best time or just finish the race, but getting your attitude right is key. Clear away thoughts of failure from your mind and visualize achieving your goal.
2) Eat properly to ensure you have energy for your race. Everyone is different, so experiment with what works for you during training. Do NOT try to eat something new the day of or the day before the race. Carbs are a great way to give you the energy you need (rice, pasta, whole wheat bread). Many athletes eat oatmeal or a Powerbar or banana the day of the race.
3) Stay hydrated during a race! However, there is a balance. Drinking too much water or energy drinks can leave you feeling sluggish and heavy as it slops around in your stomach while you run or bike or swim during a race. Check out where the water/gatorade stations are sited on your route plan before you set off and always use the water provided to boost performance and ward off exhaustion.
4) The night before a race is critical when preparing for your race the next day. By being organized, you can make your race more enjoyable and will help you stress less or worry less about something you may forget. Have a checklist of race gear/items and pack the night before, such as your race packet, gatorade, swim goggles, wetsuit, water bottles, gel packs, body glide, gloves, cycling shoes, socks, racing uniform, etc.
5) On race day, make sure you arrive early (at least an hour ahead of start time) so that you have time to set up and warm up. And, make sure you display your race number clearly. If your race number is displayed in the wrong place, it's hard for race officials to record race results. Ensure you have safety pins (the race usually provides these for you anyway) and attach your race number at the front of your body between your lower chest and top of your stomach. If you have a race with a bike component in addition to running, you probably will have another race number to also put on your bike.
6) Last tip, HAVE FUN! Races are a great way to stay in shape, make and achieve goals, and meet great people.
When exercising outdoors in cold temperatures, here are some tips:
Protect your hands, ears, and nose! The extremities are the most exposed to cold and wind and most likely to get frostbite. Wear a knit hat that covers your ears and wear knit or cotton gloves for your hands.
Get out of damp clothes as soon as possible: When you stop moving, get out of your workout gear quickly, even if you cannot shower immediately. Have plenty of dry clothes on hand. Wind chill can be a lot more dangerous than the actual air temperature.
Start your workout into the wind and finish with it behind you. If you run into the wind when you are sweaty, you can get dangerously chilled to the bone.
Your safest bet? Work out indoors! No need to take any chances with black ice, snow, & freezing temperatures.
Most New Year's resolutions involve losing weight or achieving better fitness. Most times, we fail at keeping our resolutions. Here are some steps to help you succeed:
Step 1: Keep it simple. Make a simple resolution and commit to it. Example, I will lose 20 pounds by July 1.
Step 2: Keep it realistic. Losing 20 pounds over six months is a lot easier to commit to and succeed in doing than trying to lose 20 pounds in two months. Progress will be slower but you'll be able to really lose the weight.
Step 3: Start now. There is no time like the present. Start with a walking program, light running program or take a trial class at WFBC. Exercise before breakfast so it's out of the way and nothing later in the day can distract you from exercising.
Step 4: Continue, don't stop. Make your exercise a solid habit. It's ok to miss some days but resume the habit as soon as possible.
Step 5: Keep the weight off after you have achieved your goal. You will not only lose weight but also build muscle. Keep exercising and applying what you have learned. This should be a lifetime plan.
Step 6: Celebrate! Treat yourself for achieving your goal. Buy something, go to a spa, plan a fun vacation. You deserve it!
NEW: 3 Class Intro Package for $60
NEW clients only:
We now offer a 3 class introductory package for $60 for new clients. This is a savings of $120. Call us at 212-967-7977 to sign up and schedule your first introductory class.
There will no longer be a one time $20 trial class offer, effective immediately.
Current Warriors: Let your friends, colleagues, significant others, family members know about this new offer and if they sign up for a package of at least 10 sessions, you will receive a free week of classes. Must use the free week at end of your package and can not be extended.
WARRIOR!
Check out news and information on Warrior Fitness Boot Camp:
LADY FOOT LOCKER BLOG:
Warrior Fitness Boot Camp is writing for Lady Foot Locker's blog as their newest fitness experts. We will be providing biweekly/weekly fitness, diet, and lifestyle tips.
http://theclub.ladyfootlocker.com/blog/2010/02/08/introducing-lfl-fitness-experts-ruben-and-alex/
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