Do You Use Any of These 3 Training Strategies?
Every runner has their own specialized routine and rituals, ranging from the conventional to the downright quirky. And though some may be effective due only to the placebo effect, others are surprisingly scientific. In this article, we will take a quick look at a few popular yet unconventional training techniques that have a scientific basis.
Many runners shy away from lifting — especially heavy, bulk-building styles of lifting — because they believe that too much muscle equals too much weight. And while it is true that long-distance runners should not be as concerned with bulking up as, say, football players, science has shown that building core and leg muscles can lead to faster times on the track. Maintaining a regular lifting routine can help reduce your risk of injury as well. Also, for all those whose goals focus more on looking and feeling great over performance, incorporating weight training is an absolute no brainer. Regardless of your objectives, you’ve got nothing to lose, so get out there and pump some iron!
Give Carb Rinsing A Try.
It is a well-documented fact that carbohydrate-rich drinks (think Gatorade) can help improve athletes’ performance by replenishing lost energy while also contributing to hydration. The problem is that, for many runners, swallowing large amounts of liquid during a run can lead to unpleasant stomach issues. If you have experienced this type of problem, then you will be glad to hear about this strange technique that has actually been clinically shown to provide many of the same benefits as drinking gatorade without the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Carb rinsing is very much what it sounds like: athletes swish a carb-rich beverage such as gatorade around in the mouth before spitting it out. By allowing your body to consume very small amounts of carb-rich liquid — while also “tricking” the brain into thinking more fuel is on the way — athletes are able to notably boost their performance. However, as obvious as it may seem, it must be noted that carb-rinsing does not provide nearly as much hydration and replenishment as actually drinking liquid ever could, which is why those who utilize this technique should be extra sure to fuel up both before and after every event.
Race All By Yourself.
There are many reasons why race-day times tend to vary wildly from training times. On the positive side, being at an event can cause an adrenaline rush which aids performance. On the other hand, nerves, inadequate sleep, and disruption in training patterns can negatively impact performance. At the end of the day, the more accustomed one becomes to racing, the less of a discrepancy there will be, which allows for greater consistency and planning. That is one reason why participating in virtual races is growing in popularity every day. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting new trend, we encourage you to check out our list of upcoming 5k and 10k events here at Virtual Pace Series.