How to Train for Your First Half Marathon

Are you planning on running a half marathon for the first time? These tips will help you prepare!

Don’t Start From Scratch

When you decide to run a half marathon, you should already be running consistently. The 12  week plans you find for training normally already assume that you’re running on a regular basis, with a mileage base of 15 to 20 miles. You should be able to easily run at least five miles.

If you haven’t been running on a regular basis, your body will have to acclimate to the distance as your train. Unfortunately this often overwhelms you body and causes injury. You may need to find a longer training plan, and sign up for a half marathon further in the future if you don’t already have the necessary running base.

Choose (and Stick to) a Plan

Most half marathon training plans range from 10 to 16 weeks. A longer plan is better because it allows extra time in case you get sick or busy because of of work. You should especially consider a longer plan if this is your first half marathon. The available plans vary in their structure, so you should choose one that fits your schedule. For example, you may not be able to run every day. If so, don’t select a plan that suggests it!

Settle into a Routine

After you choose a plan that works for you, the next step is to settle into a routine. Vary the lengths and speed of your runs. Don’t burn yourself out! On days you aren’t running, you should cross-train. Swimming, cycling, and using the elliptical machine are all great aerobic exercises. Core exercises with light resistance will help you keep good running form during your half marathon.

Buy the Proper Gear

Before you run the half marathon, you should make sure that you have all the gear you’ll need. Shoes are the most important. Some speciality shops help analyze your running style to help you choose the best shoe option for you. Don’t run the half marathon in clothing you’ve never worn before. Make sure you test everything, even socks or earbuds, to make sure you’ll be comfortable for the entirety of the race.

By selecting and implementing a plan that works for you, and preparing for the race with any necessary gear, you’ll make your first experience with a half marathon a good one!

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk. 

Getting Your Golf Skills Ready for the Spring Season? Start Here.

When it comes to golf, it’s important not to put off getting your game ready for the spring. By investing time in getting your equipment ready and your body in shape now, you’ll be ready to take on this season. The following tips are a great way to prepare.

Ready Your Equipment

Although this step is one of the most obvious, it is still very important. You won’t be able to play at your best if you’re using damaged equipment! You don’t want to be caught off guard and realise your equipment is in need of repair in the middle of a game. Save yourself some future frustration by looking over your gear now. Clean your golf clubs and check to see if they need to be re-grooved. Double check the shafts and grips. If you need to replace any parts, order them now. Now is also a good time to take everything out of your golf bag and reorganize it as necessary.

Consider Some Cardio

Start some regular cardio workouts now to ensure you’ll be in top shape this season. Don’t put it off. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to reap the benefits. This way you won’t be stuck struggling and out of breath partway through your 18 hole course!

Visit your local gym to see what equipment they offer. If you need extra motivation, consider joining a fitness class. Even an activity as simple as going for a run will benefit you in the end.

Perfect Those Putting Skills

Now is the time to polish your putting skills. Putting is also relatively easy to practice at home. Ensure your swing is straight by placing two objects on either side of your golf ball. If you accidentally hit either of them with your club, you’ll know your swing is crooked. Putting is one of the most important skills you’ll need. Having solid putting skills will make all the difference when you’re out on the course.

Do Your Research

Remember, golf isn’t just a physical game, but a mental one. You should read up on the sport. Pick up a recommended book or magazine. Looking up information online is an even simpler option. Golf Digest and Golf Channel are two websites full of quality content. Consider following them on social media for a constant stream of updates.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Why VR Can’t Replace the Gym

The industry of virtual reality and augmented reality is an exciting one! The technology is being introduced into the fitness industry, and it’s showing some potential. Although both VR and AR are being experimented with, it is virtual reality that seems to have taken the fitness industry by storm. VR technology will immerse users in a virtual world that could cause them to forget they’re even working out. In 2017, a record-high of $3 billion dollars was invested into the VR market. It’s expected by 2021 the VR market will reach a level of $215 billion. These numbers are very impressive and display the industry’s promise. VR fitness is starting to attract new age groups, especially youth. This is because most of the younger generation are interested in video games. They’re enjoying incredible virtual experiences while they compete or train with other users around the world. The gaming industry has typically been dominated by a male audience. However, with VR for fitness and health, more women have expressed interest. There is currently a lot of positive feedback from people getting in shape using various VR games. However, the feedback has been based mainly on cardio training.

The drawback to using VR for fitness is that it is solely based on cardio. When it comes to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, variety is key. Most of those who work out enjoy variety in their routines. People who go to a gym train there because of the choices they have and selection of equipment. For example, you have free weights, swimming pools, and machines. These are some activities that cannot be replicated in virtual reality. For example, if someone may want to bench press weights. This simply isn’t replicable in a VR system. Due to these hurdles, virtual reality can’t replace the gym. Another obstacle to overcome is the equipment. Virtual reality requires you to wear a headset. However, it isn’t practical to wear a piece of equipment over your head 4 or 5 times a week for a workout. Another setback is the weight of the VR headset. An ideal headset would be one that’s wireless, light, and comfortable. A headset that was built similar to snowboarding goggles could be worn for a long duration of time.

While virtual reality has encouraged more people to work out lately, it certainly can’t replace the gym. Virtual reality lacks variety, and requires the usage of a headset that makes working out at home harder than it is at the gym.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children

As a parent, you’re responsible for helping your children establish healthy habits that will affect them the rest of their lives. The following are suggestions to help create an environment that encourages your children to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Support Mindful Eating

Make sure to remove screens from your dining table to help your children remained focused on their food. Talk to your kids about listening to their bodies. Ask what it feels like to be hungry, full, or uncomfortably full, and the discuss the differences between those feelings.

Make Sure Everyone Is Present

Not only is eating at home with the whole family normally healthier and less expensive than eating out, but it also makes a big difference in relationships! Eating at home allows you to better monitor what your children are eating, and creates a special time that children can look forward to.

Encourage Kids to Enjoy Fruits and Vegetables

Doctors recommend that children consume at least two cups of vegetables and one and a half cups of fruit each day. Try to provide fruits and vegetables with every meal, and offer them as healthy alternatives to other snacks. Make eating fruits and vegetables fun! Keep an eye out for new recipes, and encourage your children to help you prepare them.

Limit Soft Drinks

Sodas and other soft drinks are full of added sugars, and are especially unhealthy if children are drinking them instead of drinks with the nutrients they need, such as milk. Even fruit juice often contains added sugars! Encourage your children to drink water before anything else. To create replacements for soft drinks, make homemade iced tea or lemonade with only a small amount of sugar.

Make Sure Your Kids Eat Breakfast

A healthy, balanced breakfast provides an important start to your child’s day. Children who skip breakfast are often unfocused and tired during the school hours. Offer healthy and filling breakfast options such as yogurt with granola and fruit, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.

Pack Your Child A Lunch

Not only is packing your child a lunch cheaper than purchasing one every day at school, but a homemade lunch is often healthier than the mass-produced school lunches. Sandwiches on nutritious whole-grain bread are a good option. Make sure to include sides of fruits and vegetables rather than chips.

These techniques will help you and your child develop nutritious eating habits. These habits will be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Best Spring Cleaning Chores for Children

Spring has arrived and with it, the need to freshen up the home. Spring cleaning is a tradition that has endured so long in part because of the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes from a yearly purge-and-cleanse routine.

But that sense of accomplishment doesn’t have to be limited only to the adults in the home. It’s been established that children also benefit from the inclusion and teamwork, as well as the cleanliness itself, when they’re allowed to participate in easy chores around the house.

A beginner’s chore that’s often recommended for tots ages two through four is helping to make their beds in the morning. For some, this may simply mean making sure the pillow is at the head of the bed and the blanket is not wadded up in a corner. But for older children it can be rewarding to begin the very start of their day with an act of tidying.

Another favorite that older children can get in on is taking care of any household pets. Spring cleaning is a good opportunity to introduce children to the idea that it’s good to cleanse areas of the home, like the animal’s dining space, now and then. Children can be shown that, just like with humans, it’s good to wash out dishes with hot water and some soap.

Picking up toys is another good habit for children to learn early so that they have that set of cleanup skills later in life. While it may be necessary even daily to put away toys strewn around the home, spring cleaning is a chance to take it beyond that and introduce the concept of sorting.

During sorting, children can decide which of their playthings are still in good condition, get played with often, and are well-loved. This may need to be split up into several different sessions, to avoid getting overwhelmed. Then, any toys that aren’t being used or are damaged can be put aside for donations or discarded, respectively. This will leave more space for new playthings or it can simply offer children a larger area to play in.
In general, children tend to be left out of the larger spring cleaning chores. It can help them feel capable, included and important to be given their own assignments, as well as providing occupation for them so that the tasks which aren’t child-friendly can be done in relative peace.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.