Planning is paramount to success. Here are 10 things I do before a training walk or a race:
- Drink plenty of water. It is important to be well hydrated. I like to drink water at least 30 minutes before walking. It takes a while for water to distribute in your system. So, do not wait until 5 minutes before a walk to hydrate.
- Eat a banana. It has ample potassium, which helps regulate body fluid.
- Double-tie your sneaker laces. I picked up a tip along the way that has helped me keep my laces tied. After you tie a bow take the eyelets at the end of your laces and tuck them under and thru a portion of your tied lace. I am always careful to do this, especially before a race. For me, my laces have never come untied during any of my long training walks or races. I am going to post a video on how to do it soon.
- Wear light clothing that ‘breaths’.
- Wear bright clothing to make you easily visible to drivers, bikers and everyone else
- Eat properly beforehand and bring a healthy snack with you on your walk.
- Consider wearing a hat if it is a hot sunny day.
- Use sunscreen if it is sunny.
- Know your route. If you are walking a new route be sure to map it out. Also, if there is a chance of getting lost, consider bringing your mobile device with you.
- Warm-up properly. I find my bodge and energy-level is much better to warm-up rather than going into a training walk or race ‘cold’.
