Every runner is different and every run is unique, so here we’ve put together some dos and don’ts when it comes to getting the best out of yourself ahead of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, whether you’re doing the full 42km distance, the 10km distance or the 4km fun run.

Here, we kick off with four things you should do…

DOS …

…ALWAYS WARM-UP

It can be pretty tempting to put on your trainers and hit the roads right away. But, failure to warm-up and stretch can lead to injury and ultimately you won’t be able to run.

Seasoned runners will spend between 15-30 minutes working up a sweat and flexing and stretching the key lower leg muscle groups to get everything in working order before running. Although this a good length of time to get you going ahead of your run, if you’re new to running, stick to a solid five-minute warm-up and loosen up your whole body.

…INVEST IN A GOOD PAIR OF RUNNERS

This doesn’t mean you have to buy the biggest brand and most expensive shoes in the store, but make sure you know your size, foot type (a running gait analysis test in-store can help with this) and pick a pair with good stability and cushioning on the outer and inner sole.

…CREATE A TRAINING PROGRAMME

With so many performance-based applications and watches now to record your distances, times and monitor your heart rate, we are often overwhelmed with data. Whatever your end goal or objective, it’s good to use this information as part of a wider programme to enhance your running experience.

By having a schedule, it’s easy to document your weekly kilometres, check your progress and see how you can move forward. The myth is that it has to be really in-depth but keep it plain and simple, record some notes on your phone and utilise various apps to help you out.

…RECOVER AFTERWARDS

When you stop running, the temptation is to just sit down, slouch and eat right away. But, to stop the onset of muscle soreness and build-up of lactic acid, keep walking for a short period after you finish and stretch out your muscles with some dynamic movements and foam rolling. It only takes a few minutes, and coupled with rehydrating, will help keep you fresh and injury-free.

Recovery is an aspect of running which shouldn’t be undervalued whatsoever. It’s better to be able to run than be on the sidelines with an injury, right?

DON’TS…

…JUST RUN

Running, particularly on hard surfaces, can take its toll on your body so it’s vital you complete strength and conditioning work, with a mixture of upper and lower-body exercises on alternate days to your running. This will help to maintain your running form and to run greater distances. Short, high-intensity workouts featuring exercises such as planks, pull-ups, weighted lunges, squats, mountain climbers and high and low kicks should form part of your training.

…EAT HEAVILY BEFORE RUNNING

An obvious one, but don’t eat heavily before you run. Eat light and keep hydrated with water and glycogen drinks, especially in hot and humid UAE conditions. Even during your runs, it is important to bring plenty of water.

…FOCUS ON OTHERS

It’s great to get inspired by fellow runners and friends, but do what feels comfortable and good for you when it comes to training and performance in events. We are all different, work to varying training thresholds and some of our bodies can naturally take more pain and strain than others. Try and establish what is good for you rather than try and copy-cat what works for others.

…IGNORE YOUR BODY

If you feel tired and aren’t in the mood to run then take that as a sign from your body that it requires some rest. The more and more you exercise you’ll get a feel for how your energy levels are and how you feel physically. Running on tired legs and a tired mind can actually do more damage than good.

We’d like to invite you to the free running coaching sessions offered by Standard Chartered. See FB for the schedule.