The short path to boost performance

Each and every runner in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is so enthusiastic and hopes to run at his or her peak performance, making a faster time or running in a longer distance event. Of course practice makes perfect, and it is true only if you practice in a smart way and under professional guidance. So here is the tailor-made Marathon Clinic to boost your performance in the correct way.

This year’s Marathon clinic is proudly organized by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association in association with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Watsons Water, New Balance Athletic Shoes (Hong Kong) Limited, Salonpas and Rexona. The response has been overwhelming and the clinic has attracted 300 enthusiastic runners eager for a physical fitness assessment and they will be attending training workshops.

Jackie and David, both running the 10km race this year, joined the beginners’ course to improve technique and speed. Jackie says the workshops are race-oriented, “we learn correct posture, methods of stretching which are very useful techniques for beginners.” David recommends the professional guidance he received and the systematic and personal training schedule which encourages participants to practice on a more regular basis, “it is definitely more efficient than running alone!” Jackie and David are now more confident than ever that they are going to achieve a new personal record this year and they are already looking forward to next year’s workshop for further improvement.

The intermediate marathon clinic is targeted at more experienced runners. Having run 10km and half-marathon respectively for four times, both Louise and Sam are aiming at a higher level: the half-marathon and marathon, after completing the intermediate clinic. “I once doubted if I could run the half-marathon in the past because I could barely finish 10km but now I know I am fit enough,” says Louise who is now confident in finishing the half-marathon after taking her highly recommended fitness assessment. “I was advised to increase speed rather than just running a long distance at a slow pace,” says Sam who received very helpful advice from the instructor and made obvious progress afterwards. He also learnt how to prevent injuries in muscles and joints. Each of them were diligent in the training workshops and we are so eager to see them running at their peak performance in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2010 and achieve personal best times.

Louise knows herself better after the physical assessment.

Louise and Sam participated in the marathon clinic before racing at a higher level.

David is motivated after the workshops.

Participants doing stretching under guidance.

Jackie thinks the marathon clinic is good for beginners.