We’re so grateful to more than 800 marathon runners who are going the extra mile by signing up to fundraise for Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. If every one of our runners raised just $100, together they would reach an incredible $80,000! This amount of money would be monumental to our community! Money raised by our runners will help fund vital life-saving medical equipment, world-class research programs, the transformation of hospital facilities for improved experiences, as well as helping to provide crucial support services, including cancer and renal patient transport, and emergency accommodation for those in need.
To say thank you, we wanted to find a marathon expert to share their tips with our runners! We thought who better to ask than Australian Marathon legend Pat Caroll! Check out his tips below.
Ten training tips for the Gold Coast Marathon/Half Marathon/10k/5k
1) Be realistic
Select the event that best caters for your current level of fitness whilst factoring in the number of training weeks until race day.
2) Unavoidable – Correct Footwear
Select the correct footwear. This is the most non-avoidable step to help keep you injury free. A specialist running shop or podiatrist who specialises in this area help you select the right shoe for you.
3) Make running a habit
Lock in the same days for running. Generally speaking, we’re creatures of habit. Involving the same 3 or 4 days each week will ensure running is a regular part of your weekly routine.
4) There may be better options
Run in pleasant surroundings. This may involve extra time out of your day given you may have to drive somewhere. The end result can be far more enjoyable than stepping out your door.
5) Structure
Follow a structured training program that promotes relaxed paced running as well as one or two uptempo sessions/week.
6) Strength by running
Involve hill reps. Involving 10-15 hill reps over a gradual (not too steep) incline, with a jog back down recovery will build strength.
7) Strength by exercises
Strength training in the gym and/or at home 2-3 times/week will make you a stronger runner and activate muscle groups that will enhance your running posture.
8) If running solo is not for you
You may wish to explore options regarding running with someone (training buddy) or a running group. A training partner and/or group environment can be motivating especially when involving an uptempo session or long run. Success breeds Success.
9) There will be tough days weather wise
Being prepared (Apparel) wise in advance for all sort of weather (especially rain and cold) will ensure your run is done.
10) Team effort
Make your goal a Team effort by letting your partner know how passionate you are and what Achieving your goal means to you.
Check out Pat’s Website
Pat Carroll is a four-time winner of the Gold Coast Marathon (1983, 1984, 1988 & 1997) and an event ambassador. He is the Australian half marathon all-comers record holder (1:01:11) and three-time Commonwealth Games Australian marathon representative. The retired athlete resides in Brisbane where he operates his business Pat Carroll Online and Onland. Pat offers people of all ages and abilities specialised online training programs across all distances.
Check out Pat’s web site for his Gold Coast Marathon special offer.
It’s not too late to sign up and fundraise for your local community! Click the button below to go the extra mile and raise money to help fund vital life-saving medical equipment, world-class research programs, the transformation of hospital facilities for improved experiences, as well as helping to provide crucial support services, including cancer and renal patient transport, and emergency accommodation for those in need.