From small tips and tricks to expert advice, Rui Yong gives us a rundown on how to prep for a race. This inside scoop with Rui Yong proves that he’s more than just a 42km finisher!
We sat down with the star athlete to discuss some common mistakes made by both newbie runners and marathoners alike.
These are Rui Yong's tips on how to avoid the 5 most common pitfalls of marathon training:
1. Going out too fast - 90% of runners will start off a marathon too fast because they feel good which results in them crashing and burning in the second half.
Rui Yong’s tip: “Set a conservative pacing strategy for the first half and hold to it.”
2. Fueling up wrongly - A common oversight would be nutrition before and after a race.
Rui Yong’s tip: “Take in lots of carbs to fuel your training, and protein to rebuild fatigued muscles after tough training sessions.”
3. Using the wrong gear - A good pair of shoes is vital. In competition, he currently uses lightweight racers from ASICS.
Rui Yong’s tip: “The TartherEdge is a great example. If one is looking for more support, the Evoride is a great lightweight shoe that provides good support.”
4. Unsuitable training cycle - Depending on an individual’s level of fitness, training durations and cycles will vary from person to person.
Rui Yong’s tip: “I recommend between 3-6 months of training for your marathon - depending on your fitness level.”
5. His last words of wisdom?
“Run the first 21km with your head, run from 21km to 32km with your fitness, then run the last 10km with your heart.”
What else would you like to ask Rui Yong for your next marathon? Submit your questions in the comments
here by 20 Feb 2020