Running information

How to stay motivated

When you’re feeling like your running training is getting a bit dull and repetitive it can really put a halt on your motivation. If you feel like you’ve been hitting a a wall recently, then we’ve put together a few fool-proof tips to get you back on the right path.

Read our top 5 ways to stay motivated to keep up your running motivation

Upping your distance

As a beginner, your main priority is to run consistently and allow your body to get used to running.  This probably means running 2-3 days per week for 1-4 miles. As a newbie, don’t increase your mileage every week, keep it the same for 3-4 weeks at a time to allow your body to adjust. When you’re comfortable then you can go for it and add mileage.

Runners World have plenty of tips!

Keeping hydrated

Maintaining hydration as a runner is important for health and performance. Water regulates our body temperature, removes waste, helps brings energy to our cells, and cushions our joints. Adequate hydration can improve recovery, minimize injury and cramping, and maximize performance.

More information can be found on Brigham Health Hub

Levelling up: from half to full marathon

Although it’s twice as long and can seem incredibly daunting, don’t be discouraged because the strategy isn’t too different. First you’ll want to give yourself enough time to prepare, and then choose an appropriate and realistic training plan and most importantly get out there and start running.

For full information Runners World have a fantastic guide to help you on your journey.

Your Team St Barnabas support

Whatever your goal, wherever you are on your running journey, whichever event you are training for…we’re here for you all year round! You’ll find training plans below for every type of distance…plus you can engage with us and other Team St Barnabas runners in lots of ways:

Strava running club: Share your training runs and even find local running buddies. We’ll post events and challenges in here too. Join the club here.

Coffee catch ups and training runs: After two years away, we were delighted to be able to once again hold a real training run. Watch this space for more training runs coming later in 2023. We’ll be looking to host them again in Brighton and hopefully Worthing too.

Training for your distance

What plan should I choose, what are my friends following, how do I become a better runner at that distance? There are so many questions around what will work.

Whether you’re a first-time runner, making a return to running, pushing for a PB, or looking to step up your distance, a good training plan will help you take it all in your stride. These plans are a great place to start whatever your goal:

• Couch to 5k: Designed for beginners to gradually build up their running ability to run 5km without stopping
• Up to 10k: Whether you’re a 10k novice or looking to beat your personal best, here are a selection of training plans to help you along the way
• Half Marathon: Tackle your first (or next) half-marathon with the help of these best hints, tips and training schedules

Is a marathon your 2023 goal?

26.2 miles can seem incredibly daunting and scary at first. However training plans are designed to be achievable which is why most plans usually scan between 16 to 20 weeks. With a variety of training plans from complete beginner to 10k to marathon, there’s a plan available for everybody. These marathon training schedules by TCS London Marathon have everything between beginner marathon training plans to advanced training plans.