If freezing cold mornings and a snooze button have so far thwarted your efforts to prepare for The Canberra Times Fun Run, there is still plenty of time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In fact, even complete beginners can give themselves a good shot of completing the new 14km distance.
Fitness trainer Catherine McMaster said programs at canberratimesfunrun.com.au would give guidance to beginner, intermediate and advanced runners to be fully prepared for September 8.
“First time runners should start with two to three kilometres, including three minutes of walking and one minute of running,” Ms McMaster said.
“The ratio should be gradually increased to one minute walk and three minutes run during two weeks. With this pattern, you can never have pains unless you go crazy or have an illness. I always advise to first check with your chiropractic or physician."
The key to starting out running was to work on a smooth running style, she said.
“One should relax from the beginning and should loosen up.
“Leaning forward, nice tall posture, comfortable running shoes and elbows at 90 degrees with your body are tips I give to my trainees.”
As part of the Centenary celebrations, The Canberra Times Fun Run in its 37th year has introduced 14km run to align it with other One To Run events including Sydney's City2Surf and Melbourne's City2Sea.
The distance is an addition to the existing 10km and adidas 5km events, incorporating a circle of Parliament House, Federation Mall and Old Parliament House.
Student Shannon Sutcliffe, 21, is taking on her 14km run as she recovers from foot surgery in January.
“My boyfriend challenged me and I accepted it straight away,” Ms Sutcliffe said.
“I started training as a beginner but now have moved up to the intermediate level,” she said.
“If you think something is too easy for you, challenge yourself and step up to a harder level."
Ms Sutcliffe is currently doing her Masters in Computing and raising money for autism awareness, a cause close to her heart as her brother has autism.
The Canberra Times Fun Run on September 8 aims to raise funds for more than 195 charities including partner charity the Heart Foundation ACT.
For further information about the training sessions and the event see canberratimesfunrun.com.au.
Entries are now open.
Are you doing The Canberra Times Fun Run this year? Let us know how you are preparing and who you are fundraising for below.
