Be your best for the Big Walk
We know you’re super-excited about the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk which takes place this Sunday! So is our resident fitness expert Lisa Raleigh. Here are her top tips on how to nail it…
We know you’re super-excited about the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk which takes place this Sunday! So is our resident fitness expert Lisa Raleigh. Here are her top tips on how to nail it…
Whether you’re doing the 5 km, 10 km, 15 km or 20 km, here some tips on how to make sure your body and your feet are talking the same language on Sunday.
- Choose shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles to cushion your feet and absorb shock. Remember that new footwear should be broken in weeks before an event.
- On Saturday, the night before the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk, eat your last full meal approximately 12 hours before your starting time. A small and nutrient-dense snack is all you’ll need on the day.
- Avoid last minute panicking by preparing everything you need for your race the night before. Lay out your outfit, water bottle and snacks and anything else you will need or carry with you on your race.
- Whilst resting your muscles is important, don’t take a full day off before a big race. Your body will benefit from prepping the necessary muscles it will be using the following day. Keep your session simple though, to avoid fatigue.
- Don’t forget SPF! Never mind that winter is here – our South African climate is more dangerous than a Mediterranean summer. Protect your face, arms and shoulders with an SPF of over 30.
- At the start of the walking event on Sunday, don’t bounce! Whilst your feet should be rotating in a circular motion, take care to move low and forward, making an effort not to lose precious energy “bouncing” up and down.
- Work on perfecting your posture. Try not to lean back while you move, keeping your body positioned slightly ahead of your feet. Your head should be comfortable, with your shoulders straight and not rounded.
- When it’s time to race, breathe fast at the starting line. It may sound strange, but breathing hard as you would whilst running will trick your body into thinking it has already begun the race. This will lower your response time to the take-off and give you a more powerful start!
- Relax your hands when power walking. It may sound silly, but many people unconsciously clench their hands into fists while they move, causing unwanted tension to the body. Looser hands will guarantee a less stressful stride.
Lisa Raleigh is a fitness trend influencer, wellness activist, TV personality, author, and lifestyle and wellness expert. For more, visit: www.lisaraleigh.co.za