I haven’t always been a runner, but once I wrapped up my NRL career I really got into it and started to absolutely love it. In fact, I ran 35 marathons and five ultras in the space of five years and one of those events happened to be the incredible NYC marathon. This is an event that I think everyone should do in their lifetime, as it’s such a good way to see the city.
Here are the top five things that I learnt as a result of this experience.
Trust the process
I had a 20-week periodised training program four to five day a week running, strength and yoga. Rain, hail or shine, follow the program and come race day you will be ready. It will be a celebration of all the hard work you have put in the last five months.
Train hard, recover harder
As I get older I value recovery so much more than I ever have. Yoga, float tanks, infrared sauna, sleep, hydration, proper nutrition. All these things not only keep me injury free but enhance my performance.
Team work makes the dream work
I am lucky to work with a number of health and fitness professionals who have helped to keep my mind and body in tip top shape during my marathon preparation journey. A run coach for technique and a run program, a strength and conditioning coach for a strength program, a nutritionist for dietary advice, a massage therapist to keep my niggles at bay. Yes I have been in fitness for over 20 years but I love working with others to help me to the top of my game
Enjoy the city
Finally there is no traffic in New York! On marathon day, all of the streets shut so there is no better way to see the five boroughs
Not to mention that with two million screaming people lining the streets and 50 bands along the course, you feel like a rock star during the 42.2km.
Ben is the owner and co-founder of Flow Athletic, an incredibly successful yoga and fitness studio based in Paddington, Sydney. Ben was a professional NRL player for the Cronulla Sharks prior to getting into the fitness industry. After finishing his stint with the NRL, he fell into Ultra Endurance running. In the space of 5 years, he ran 35 marathons and 5 ultra marathons all over the world. He then went on to train up 101 non-runners to run and complete their first marathon which he is doing again in 2018 with the NYC marathon.
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