Sunday 12 July 2015

I can't believe its only one week until the big day, the Cardiff Race for Life. I'm running the 5k race again this year and you can read all about my progress and reasons for running in previous posts. I've been trying to drink more water and eat a little cleaner as part of my training. I've not been able to do much running due to an injury but I'm fully healed now so I've been pounding the pavements and going out for a few runs the past couple of weeks and also attending a few kettle bell classes to get my ready for my race.

I find it hard to stay focussed and make time for running and I know I wouldn't have gone out as often if it wasn't for the Race for Life Kiqplan app that I downloaded. It has really helped me feel like I'm ready for my race and gives me little prompts and motivation every day.

Kiqplan™is the official fitness plan partner for Race for Life. Kiqplan is here to get you ready for the big race day. They have created a number of guides on the Race for Life site that you can print out (available here) but they have also created an app that you can take with you wherever you go.

Kiqplan is a personal coaching app and features a bespoke 12-week training programme to help get Race for Life ladies of all ages, sizes and levels of athletic ability ready for their 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy event.

How it works

Kiqplan uses information from your smart phone, app or activity tracker about the number of steps you take or calories you eat to design a training plan, specifically for you.

When you get the app you will have lots of fantastic resources to get you race-ready. You’ll receive:

Daily motivational and health tips

Weekly workout videos

Easy-to-make recipes and nutritional advice

Weekly walking or running targets

Packed with expert advice on fitness and nutrition, it’s like having a trainer, nutritionist and motivational coach all for £4.99! You can get it from both iTunes and Google Play. 20% of sales go straight to Race for Life.

I've linked my app up to my Fitbug Orb (review here) to track my steps and daily activity but you can also use it with just your phone to track activity or other fitness monitoring devices (full list here). The Orb has really made me think about how much activity I do each day. I'm disappointed if I do less than 10k steps in a day and it was a great way to start my running journey. By upping my steps to 15k on a good day starting to run 5k was less daunting and exhausting.

If you're new to running and Race for life here are some of my top tips for training

Wear comfy shoes and make sure your feet are well supported.
Look the part while training with some Race for life merch.
Wear a good sports bra.
If you're a beginner, increase the time you exercise for gradually.
Train with friends and help motivate each other.
Whether you walk, run or dance, go at a conversational pace.
Remember to warm up and cool down before and after any exercise.
A balanced diet will help you feel great.
It's important to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise.
Remember to stay Sun Smart when you're training and keep covered up and use SPF protection.

Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? Do you have any tips for me or any advice for my race next week? I'm a little anxious but also excited for the race.