Training, tactics and health: tips from VCM Medical Director doctor Dr Robert Fritz
If running and endurance sports didn't exist, they would have to be invented. Because there is no better ‘medicine’ for health maintenance and prevention.
The joy of running, the excitement of a big event, celebrating an unforgettable experience with friends - and staying fit afterwards: All of this is only possible if you are healthy!
Follow these tips from VCM Medical Director Dr Robert Fritz:
- Reduce your training workload in the last 1-2 weeks. Stay active, but don't do any ‘last-minute super sessions’: you can't make up for runs that you may have missed in the last few weeks. You would risk overloading yourself. Your body won't have time to process the training properly before the VCM.
- If you have any problems, have a medical examination before the run to check your state of health.
- If you have a cold, an elevated resting heart rate, fever, musculoskeletal pain, ...: Take a break. Have yourself examined and advised by your GP or sports doctor before the VCM.
- Take ‘harmless’ infections seriously. High physical exertion during illness can lead to serious complications.
- As a last-minute contact point for health problems: Get a check-up at the VCM Medical Centre at Vienna Sports World. The team of sports-enthusiastic doctors and therapists at the Sportordination will be there for you at the VCM Expo on Friday, 4 April and Saturday, 5 April.
For the race day
- Pay attention to the weather forecast and act accordingly: For your clothing, your objective, your drinks supply. We are an outdoor sport, every marathon day is different.
- Let yourself be inspired by the emotions, but don't let yourself be tempted to set a fast pace, especially in the initial phase.
- Aim for a steady run and save your energy for the ‘finale’, no matter what distance you are running. Your pace at the start should feel easy.
- Drink electrolyte drinks during the run, even in cooler temperatures.
- Mariahilfer Straße / KM 18-20: It's all downhill here. Try to run lightly and save energy. You will get faster almost by yourself. If you actively push the pace, your muscles will be less than happy afterwards.
- Always pay attention to your body's signals when running. Dizziness, pain, discomfort - we don't need false heroism. The Red Cross will be on site with a large team. The Wiener Städtische ‘Running Doctors’ are also taking part in the run. In case of problems: Call 144.
