8 expert tips to make this your best walk yet!
The takkies
are ready; your crew is excited; and the countdown to Sunday’s Discovery East
Coast Radio Big Walk! KZN health and fitness fundi, Lisa Raleigh, has this
advice on how to make this your best walk yet:
1. Eat
your last full meal approximately 12 hours before your start time. This is not
the time for heavy, fat-laden or carb-free meals. Simply opt for a balanced
meal that’s easy to digest. Grilled fish, veggies and sweet potato are a great
choice.
2. There’s no need for a heavy
breakfast on Sunday morning. Bigger meals can take up to an hour and a half to
digest, demanding your body’s digestive attention. If you feel you must have
more than a snack, make sure to eat at least an hour and a half before race
time.
3.
Small and nutrient-dense snacks are ideal. A poached
egg on a small piece of rye, a little yoghurt and a banana, or a small bowl of
oats topped with raw nuts are great snacking options. And what should you give
a miss? Processed, fried and fatty foods.
4.
Watch your water intake. Stick to your recommended
daily consumption the day before your walk, drinking on an hourly basis. On
Sunday, drink two glasses of water roughly two hours before the start, to allow
it enough time to pass through your system.
5.
At the start line, don’t bounce! Whilst your feet
should be rotating in a circular motion, take care to move low and forward,
making an effort not to lose precious energy “bouncing” up and down.
6.
Be mindful of your posture. Try not to lean back while
you move. Keep your body positioned slightly ahead of your feet. Your head
should be comfortable, with your shoulders straight and not rounded.
7.
Relax your hands when running or power walking. It may
sound silly, but many runners unconsciously clench their hands into fists while
they move, causing unwanted tension to the body. Looser hands will guarantee a
less stressful stride.
8.
Most of all, have fun! The Discovery East Coast Radio
Big Walk is a great way to get some exercise while spending quality time with
those you care about.
The
Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk is the chance to get in some exercise while
enjoying the best promenade in the country. It’s a chance to spend quality time
with the family, or play catch-up with friends or bond with your colleagues.
All four distances, 5km, 10km, 15km and
20km, will start at uShaka Marine World and end at People’s Park, Moses
Mabhida Stadium.
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