How to continue training when your target race has been postponed?
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the training of many runners and possibly postponed their target race to another time in the future. We want to support your training and offer some tips on how to update your training program towards your new goal. Your goal can be for example one of the events of Helsinki City Running Day on October 3rd 2020.
For many runners the starting conditions are good, as they are in a better shape now than when they started training. However, it is good to make some changes to the training plans at this point to keep on improving. Here’s how we can update different training types.
LONG RUNS are very important when training for a marathon or half marathon. Now that your goal has been moved up, you can add about 5-10 % to all of your long runs leading up to the event.
EASY RUNS can be performed in the same length as they are in the program, about 30-60 minutes depending on the program and runner.
SPECIAL ENDURANCE trainings can be performed in the same length, but with a slightly faster pace due to the improved condition.
SPEED ENDURANCE trainings (for example 5×1000 meters or 4×5 minutes) can be altered by adding one more repeat to the set. The sets can also be performed with a slightly faster pace due to the improved condition.
In addition to training it is also essential to take care of your recovery. Overtraining can weaken your immune system and expose you to diseases like coronavirus. So it is very important to focus on drinking, eating, sleeping and resting enough. Remember to listen to your body.
With these tips we wish you all the best in your future challenges. Good luck with your training and hopefully see you in Helsinki City Running Day on October 3rd, 2020!