Whether you’re targeting your first marathon or a 5km fun run it can be hard work improving your fitness and reaching that target distance, especially with a good time. There are a few simple steps to keep in mind when striving to improve your distance running that can have a huge effect on your performance.
Set a target and stick to it
Build on your distance with every run but be realistic and set targets. Add a couple hundred metres at a time until you get to your target distance or feel comfortable enough to start adding extra km and miles.
Pace your self
Hitting your target distance isn’t about putting in a good time especially if fitness is a concern. Just stick to your planned distance and ease up on the pace to give yourself a better chance of achieving your goal. Once you hit your distance for a couple of runs you can start to up the tempo again.
Keep it real
Set smart targets, if you can’t run 5km your unlikely to be able run a marathon in a month’s time… That’s not to say you won’t get there but if you stick to achievable goals you’ll feel a better sense of achievement and stay far better motivated.