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Fit4theChallenge
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Fit for the challenge,
all year round

A UK guide for adults training for a goal such as a first 5k, 10k or half marathon, and for anyone who wants to move, eat, sleep and recover better.

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NUT

How many calories should you eat a day to support your routine?

· By Hannah Whitfield

If you are training for a 10k, building strength or simply trying to feel better, a single calorie number can seem like an easy place to start. UK guidance offers a broad reference point, but your needs depend on your body, daily activity and goals.

In this issue

  1. NUT High protein dinners that fit around your training
  2. NUT Is protein powder useful for your training, and how do you choose?
  3. NUT Healthy protein snacks to fit around training and busy days
  4. FIT Build from a comfortable 5K to your first 10K
  5. FIT Choose an exercise you can keep doing for weight loss

Our sections

Frequently asked questions

Which training plan should I start with?

If you cannot yet run for 30 minutes without stopping, start with the NHS Couch to 5K plan: three short run-walk sessions a week over nine weeks. Once 30 minutes feels comfortable, move on to the 10k guide, then to the 12-week half marathon plan.

How much protein do I need if I train?

The UK Reference Nutrient Intake for adults is 0.75 g of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. It is a population reference, not a personal target: the protein guide explains how training goals can change your needs and how to spread protein across meals.

Is CBD legal in the UK?

CBD itself is not a controlled drug, but a product must not contain controlled cannabinoids such as THC, and CBD sold as food needs novel food authorisation. The Food Standards Agency advises healthy adults to take no more than 10 mg of CBD a day from food products.

Who writes the articles?

Articles are written by Hannah Whitfield for Fit4theChallenge. Each one cites its sources in the text, mainly NHS guidance, the Food Standards Agency and published studies, and shows the date it was published or updated.

Your training year

Most UK races fall in spring and autumn. The articles are grouped by the time of year when they are most useful, from winter base building to the autumn half marathon season.

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  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sept
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Food, sleep and recovery: 11 articles useful in any season.

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  4. A simple way to try mindfulness meditation
  5. A simple strength routine to support your running
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