Fashion blogger and influencer, Chelsea Arendse, is training for her first 5km.

She shared with us her pre-race story below.

I will be doing my first 5km run on 14 October 2017, feeling both excited and nervous. The annual Cape Gate Clicks Charity Run is fast approaching and with only a few weeks left I have decided to kick-start my preparation. It is very important for me to train your body before doing a race, regardless of the distance. Training and eating correctly are both very important aspects of preparation, but so is fashion – you need to feel comfortable in order to put in the “werk”.

I am no professional, but I do have some experience with this. Here are my top-tips on getting yourself Race-Day ready!

Exercise

chelsea arendse magenta magazine

Many people think they need to squeeze in as many runs as possible, before race-day and skip the workouts. Experts say this could be counterproductive. I run at least three times a week using the Nike Run Club app to help me keep track of my improvements or when I’m slacking,  I also do basic exercises every other day such as squats, lunges, planking, jumping jacks, bicycle etc. as these exercises help maintain your fitness and strengthens your muscles without too much strain.

A week before your race you should be getting plenty of rest to make sure you have enough energy on the day. Keep your exercises light and your running distances short to avoid any injuries.

Nutrition

My breakfast typically includes oats, plain yogurt, fresh fruits, and the occasional whole grain bread. For lunch I usually have rice cakes with cream cheese, boiled eggs, or tuna. For supper I always try and include lots of veggies or fresh salads with my meals. And when hunger creeps in during the day, I usually snack on apples or dried fruit. I try and drink as much water as I can without forcing myself to down it – I prefer making this habitual, that way I enjoy it more and never count my water intake.

On days that I go for a run I prefer coconut water, due to its hydrating qualities. Coconut water contains calcium, potassium and magnesium (important for muscular function). I also enjoy aloe water, which improves circulation and regulates blood pressure. Don’t forget that your body needs rest in order to restore muscles and to function properly so get in a solid eight hours of sleep.

chelsea arendse

Fashion

Being a fashion and lifestyle blogger I don’t neglect the stylish side of exercising, in fact, I love looking good while working out.

My 6 essentials include:

  • A sports bra that fits well and gives you the correct support – without this “the girls” could start sagging or you may get back or breast pain
  • Tights that are breathable and that fits you well – you don’t want to be pulling up your pants after every workout and you need to be comfortable
  • A thin jacket or hooded top – this helps me sweat even more during training and allows me to avoid catching a cold once I’m done exercising
  • Proper running trainers are so important – without these, I struggle to run to my full potential and it can cause injuries, replace your trainers once they start to feel uncomfortable
  • I always run with a cap to shade my face from the sun and to make sure my hair doesn’t get in my face while running
  • Most days I run with a water bottle to help me rehydrate during my runs even though I think it’s annoying – try getting a water bottle that is less than 750ml.

Chelsea Arendse is an official member of the #RaceSquad for the Capegate Clicks Charity Run on 14 October 2017 at Capegate Shopping Centre.

AUTHOR: Chelsea Arendse 

 

Categories: Beauty & Wellness