A member of the Delta Phi Alpha German honor society, Erik Helverson is an undergraduate at Montclair State University in New Jersey. When he isn't studying, Erik Helverson enjoys athletic pursuits such as playing tennis and participating in 5K runs.
While training should begin weeks or months in advance of a 5K run, there are several things one can do in the week leading up to the race to be adequately prepared. Sleep is crucial to athletic performance and, in that regard, runners should aim to get a quality night's sleep in the two nights prior to the race. Runners should also decrease their mileage when running during race week. In addition, all other physical activity should be avoided on the day of the race. Diet is also integral to performance. Whereas those running marathons should consume high amounts of carbohydrates in the days leading up to a race, that isn't necessary for individuals participating in shorter races such as 5Ks. Carb-loading before a 5K, then, could have the adverse impact of making runners feel bloated or nauseous. Instead, follow a typical healthy diet in the days before the race and consume a light 200-300 calorie meal a couple of hours before it starts. Oatmeal with dried fruit and a bagel with peanut butter are preferred options.
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AuthorErik Helverson -- Well-traveled Foreign Language Major. ArchivesCategories |