Even if you’re 10 kilos (or more) out of marathon shape, that doesn’t mean you can’t get lean in the same way a runner would. By Adam Bible.
It’s a typical scene. A guy goes into a gym and bellies up to the treadmill, punches in 30 minutes on the screen, and starts plodding along. But even if he hits that treadmill three days a week for months, chances are his weight loss won’t go anywhere. Sound familiar? Whether your cardio days are getting stale or you just can’t find the motivation to stick with a program, you need help. Who better to supply it than a couple of guys who turn average Joes into top marathoners? We looked at their training strategies and stole the best bits — the tips you can use to kick-start your own weight-loss regimen.
Marathon mindset: Set a specific goal
General goals (such as “weight loss”) are fine, according to Hal Higdon, a famed marathon coach and author of Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, but having short-term and long-term goals is a better way to stay motivated and on track. “Think three weeks, three months or three years down the road and decide on a specific goal,” he says. “A marathon is an excellent ultimate goal that motivates many to start moving, but all you really need is some point down the road that you’d like to get to.”
Marathon mindset: Build a base
The reason most guys don’t make significant gains with their cardio is they start out with a weak base or a plan that’s just too aggressive, says Higdon. “If you start at a slower level and build your base more gradually, then you’re more liable to be successful when you’re moving your way up.” Don’t expect that you’re going to get in great shape in a matter of weeks either — it’s not going to happen. “The first three or four weeks, you merely want to survive until the beginnings of fitness kick in,” he says.
Marathon mindset: Consider progressions
The idea is simple: just mix up the pace throughout your run. “It’s meant to strengthen muscle fibres so you can eventually do harder, longer runs,” says Brad Hudson, a world-renowned marathon coach. One of Hudson’s favourite progressions for beginners: run 1.5km at an easy pace, then run at a moderate pace for 40 seconds, ease back to an easier pace for two minutes and 20 seconds, and then surge back to a quick pace for 40 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3km of 10 surges and recoveries.
HYDRATION: Long-distance runners should down one cup of water for every 3km of roadwork.