Running from Land’s End to John O’Groats, over a 1000 miles, is a huge challenge and its going to demand exceptional physical and mental preparation. But with Bob’s dedication and determination we at The Fitness Experts know he can do it.
We’re really proud to have supported Bob since 2019 when we worked with him to train for a 100km ultra and now as he prepares for his 1030 mile endeavour!
For anyone wanting to take on a similar challenge, here are the Fitness Experts tips:
1. Consider personalised coaching
Working with a qualified fitness coach is crucial for developing a customised training plan that addresses individual strengths and areas for improvement. Everyone has a different running style and its important your training plan reflects that. A good plan will help build on your strengths to increase your efficiency and will greatly reduce the risk of injuries.
2. Strength and Conditioning
Incorporating strength training into a running regimen is essential for building the muscular endurance required for ultra-distance events and preventing any injuries. At the Fitness Experts we’ve been helping Bob compliment his running with resistance based exercise workouts, conditioning sessions and helping him optimise his recovery from sessions with advice on key pillars such as nutrition, stress management and just managing the volume of training over the week.
3. Gradual Mileage Increase
Gradually increasing weekly mileage allows the body to adapt to the physical demands of long-distance running. Training plans needs to incorporate back-to-back long runs to build stamina and simulate the conditions of multi-day events. This approach helps in developing both physical endurance and mental resilience.
4. Nutrition and Hydration Strategies
Proper nutrition and hydration are vital for sustaining energy levels and aiding recovery during training and the event itself. Training the gut to handle the intake of necessary nutrients and fluids can prevent gastrointestinal issues during long runs. Experimenting with different foods and hydration strategies during training helps identify what works best for the individual.
5. Mental Preparation and Motivation
Maintaining motivation throughout extensive training periods can be challenging. Focusing on current achievements rather than past performances, committing to a flexible routine, and remembering the personal reasons behind undertaking the challenge can help sustain motivation. It can be so easy for the negative voice to be the loudest one and it takes time to learn to be kind to yourself and acknowledging progress, even when non-linear, is crucial for mental well-being.
6. Get the right support
We pride our gyms on being inclusive and fun. Exercising and training should never be a chore. It should be something you look forward to and a chance to meet other people were you can get expert advice, share experiences and find encouragement to achieve your goals.
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Bob Yates is celebrating his 60th birthday by taking part in Run Britannia, running 1030 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise £10,000 for Humanity Direct. To donate and find our more about his challenge click here.
The Fitness Experts are based in High Wycombe, Harwell and Basingstoke offering over 60 fun and functional fitness classes every week including strength training, cardiovascular and recovery sessions.