Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, official hotel partner of the Virgin Money London Marathon, is drafting in two of the UK’s leading body and mind experts to ‘help get runners across the finish line’. Renowned mental performance coach Andy Barton and acclaimed physiotherapist Sammy Margo will be revealing a series of insightful tips to help runners get through their training ahead of the race on 26 April 2015.
Around 40,000 participants from the UK and beyond will descend on London for one of the world’s most famous marathons, but the challenges before the race can be even more gruelling. Marathon runners in training can average between 30 and 50 miles each week.
“Many people experience huge mental stumbling blocks at the thought of getting up at the crack of dawn on a freezing cold morning for a training run, or devoting weekends to racking up the miles,” explains Barton, whose clients include Premier League footballers, Olympic athletes and PGA European Tour golfers looking to get the mental edge.
According to Barton, understanding how your mind works is essential during the training process. “When you’re due to run for 10 miles but can’t face it, tell yourself that you’ll go for just a mile. Before you know it, Newton’s First Law of Motion will be in effect and you’ll keep going. Also, use a little imagination and visualise running the London Marathon ahead of time, as doing this can actually train your brain to be more prepared for the race, as it believes it’s already run it.”
As well as finding effective ways to train your mind and body, runners should never underestimate the importance of rest, according to Sammy Margo, ‘Balanced Body’ physiotherapist and author of The Good Sleep Guide.
“If you’re in training, you need plenty of deep restorative sleep to encourage protein synthesis that provides the body with the best chance to recuperate. The first few hours of sleep before midnight is the best time for recovery. An hour of sleep before midnight is worth two hours afterwards, so it really does help to get an early night.”
She also acknowledges that anxiety can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, something runners may experience as the big day approaches. For those waking up in the middle of the night, a simple ‘20 minute rule’ that dictates getting out of bed and doing something else for a short period before trying to sleep again, is a proven technique.
Mike Greenup, IHG’s Vice President for Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Europe says “We are delighted to be working with Sammy and Andy in support of our partnership with Virgin Money London Marathon. Holiday Inn is committed to supporting the well-being of guests and athletes by providing an inviting and familiar atmosphere to relax with friends and family. We welcome runners of all types, from first timers to marathon veterans, with expert guidance for the mind and body, to ensure participants are well-rested and ready to race.”
Holiday Inn hotel’s Rest & Run Experts’ top 20 tips will feature on the Holiday Inn Facebook page facebook.com/HolidayInnEurope in the weeks leading up to the Virgin Money London Marathon. Also, Sammy and Andy will be hosting a Twitter Q&A in mid-April, giving runners a valuable opportunity to gain a little last minute advice ahead of the race. Those interested can share their own tips or favourite running routes using #restandrun.
