Get ready for the Auckland and Queenstown marathons with group training
As both the Auckland and Queenstown marathons loom larger on the horizon, marathon-runners are lacing up their trainers, hitting the road and getting into their training programmes.
With the Auckland Marathon in November, and the Queenstown Marathon following shortly after, it’s a good time to think about your marathon training and how you’re going to stay motivated in the run-up to the event.
A great way to do this is with group training sessions or run clubs
Why get involved in A RUN CLUB?
If you haven’t already considered group training, it could be a great thing to begin incorporating into your training programme. Group sessions can instigate big improvements in running performance, and, more importantly, provide lasting experiences, memories and companionship.
Gearing up for his first full marathon, ASICS Ambassador and paddle-racing athlete, Ralph Cabansag has joined the ASICS Move Club to boost his training and stay motivated. Having already competed in half marathons in New Zealand and the US, Ralph has learnt how valuable a weekly group training session can be.
“Your support network is one way to remind you of why you started whenever you feel like quitting. They are the ones that make sure you’re on track physically and mentally towards your training programme.”
So if you haven’t implemented group sessions into your training programme yet, or you’re still unsure about their benefits, here are some of the reasons you may want to try it.
Top 5 benefits of RUN CLUBS
1. A little healthy competition
Nothing quite gets the competitive juices flowing like a group training session. A number of studies have shown that when you run with others, you tend to go faster and longer than when you run alone. This can give you the extra push you need to take your performance to the next level.
The opportunity to train with runners at similar, or slightly more advanced abilities, can be the difference between a good race-day, and a great one.
ASICS Ambassador, Ralph agrees that group sessions are one of the best ways to improve. “Training with a group takes your mind off the pain factor, and can be a great way to measure your progress by selecting someone from the group to keep up with.”
2. Keep boredom at bay
It can be a struggle to keep the motivation and energy up during your marathon training programme and it’s always a good idea to mix up your routine to keep it interesting. Unlike solo runs, where boredom soon creeps in, training sessions fly by when you have a bit of company. Group sessions also provide the opportunity to explore new running routes.
As Adam McDonald, the ASB Auckland Race Director, notes: “Marathon training can be a long and lonely road, so it’s great to have group sessions to break it up. An organised group session means you can just turn up and run; all the planning is done for you.”
3. Moral support to pull you through low-motivation days
On chilly mornings when there’s nothing more tempting than staying in bed, motivation to turn up to training is remarkably different when there are other people holding you accountable. Sometimes it’s purely the knowledge that there will be others to share the grey morning – and perhaps the odd moan – with.
Your training companions can act as a personal cheering squad: lending support, rooting you on and encouraging you to keep going when you’re lacking enthusiasm.
4. Learn how to pace yourself
It’s hard to tell your exact pace when running alone – even with the help of gadgets. When you run with a group, surrounded by pacemakers, you can learn to match their pace stride by stride, ensuring you’re ready to run the distance on race-day.
5. Support and advice from people who understand
One of the most valuable things about group training sessions and the communities they build, are the support and advice shared between people in similar situations. Injury prevention, nutrition tips and training programmes are much more effective when learnt in-person from experienced coaches and other runners.
A team to share the journey with
One of the things ASICS love most about marathons – and the group sessions leading up to them – is the sense of community and camaraderie they foster. Whether you’re running together on race-day, cheering on your teammates or offering advice to someone who needs it, it’s a special moment to feel connected and be a part of something bigger than you.
Whether you’re training for a 10K, a half marathon or tackling a full one, ASICS are here to help you stay on track to reach your running goals.
If you’re looking for quality sportswear that supports your marathon training, ASICS offers performance women’s running and men’s running gear that’s made to get you across the finish line.