Runners: How A Personal Trainer Can Help You Run A Better Race

How A Personal Trainer Can Help You Run A Better Race

When it comes to training for running, there are three key aspects to your fitness that need to be optimized. They are strength, flexibility, and developing the mental strength to push your body and achieve the “flow state”, a mental space in which you are fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus. Before you hire a personal trainer with the goal in mind of improving your running form and how far you can run, you need to make sure your trainer has running experience. Also ensure your personalities are a match. You will be working with your trainer throughout your fitness journey so it is important that you are able to talk freely and not feel judged in order to increase the effectiveness of your personal training relationship. 

Improve Your Strength And Flexibility
When you first get started with a personal trainer, they will begin by observing your current running form to see where you have muscular imbalances. Your trainer will also be able to notice the way your torso and arms move to correct your form. It is typical for beginner to intermediate runners to have weak gluteal and hamstring muscles, therefore your trainer will focus exercise on these muscle groups to enhance your performance. Muscular imbalances also occur not just because of weak muscular strength but also poor flexibility. In this case, your personal trainer will teach you some appropriate stretching exercises. When your muscles are working with full range of motion, they will be more efficient. 

Personalized Workout Plan
If you have specific goals when it comes to running such as completing a 5km run or even an Iron Man race, your personal trainer will design a specific exercise plan to help you reach your goal quickly and effectively. The plan will also be designed taking into consideration your unique physical capabilities and limitations as well as your personal schedule. It is tailored to your fitness level and can be tweaked as necessary during your training period. With your own personalized plan, you will be better positioned for success. 

Improved Mental Game
When you think of a personal trainer, you may think they are only there to help you with your physical fitness by counting reps and ensuring you have correct form. However, qualified personal trainers understand the tools of physiological motivation to help you reach your goals as well. Every runner hits low points during their training period, especially if it is a long period of time. A personal trainer can coach you through these low points to keep you motivated to complete your training. Having someone with experience on your side can help remind you of all the hard work you have already invested. By asking questions about what you learned from difficult workouts, you will gain insight in how you can adapt for race day.

Reach Your Running Goals With The Help Of A Jensen Fitness Personal Trainer

Working with a personal trainer will give you the confidence in knowing you are on the right track to achieving your fitness and running goals. They have the expertise and experience to design personalized programs to help you optimally reach your goals and sustain them. For runners specifically, your personal trainer will focus on flexibility, strength, and mental strength to help you prepare for a race day and perform at your best. A personal trainer may just be the secret to your running success. 

At Jensen Fitness, our personal training, fitness coaching, and weight loss programs will provide you with all of the support you need to achieve your personal goals while helping you sustain your new healthy habits for the long term and improve your overall health. To start your weight loss or fitness journey, contact our team of personal trainers in SE Calgary by calling 1-403-200-0199 or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How long should I train to run a marathon?
A: Most runners take between 16-20 weeks to train for a marathon. This will depend on the individual since everyone has different running capabilities and experience.  

Q: Can a personal trainer help me with my nutrition?
A: Yes, a personal trainer will be able to give you some tips and tricks when it comes to food habits to help you see better results in the gym. Unless your personal trainer has a nutritional certification, they will not be able to come up with meal plans for you and can only recommend certain food you should be eating. 

Q: How many times should I exercise per week?
A: It is recommended that everyone gets at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, however, if you are embarking on your fitness or weight loss journey, you should be going into the gym at least three times per week.