Tips from Dominic Lobalu

Dominic Lobalu is one of the fastest runners in the world. The Generali Running Ambassador shares his tips that helped him reach the top so that you too can benefit from his experience and feel encouraged to achieve top performances. Let’s go!

Tip 1: Clear goals increase your motivation

Whether realistic or not – having a goal gives your training a direction and motivates you. Think about what you want to achieve: is it a fun run, a specific time, altitude or distance? Dominic Lobalu stresses that clear goals help you stay on track, even in difficult training phases.

Tip 2: Train according to a personal plan

Jogging is more than just setting off and running. Prepare a training plan tailored to your fitness, your age and your objective. This will protect you from excessive strain. Dominic swears by working closely with a trainer to get the most out of every exercise session.

Tip 3: Start slowly, train regularly

The body needs time to get used to the strain, especially at the beginning. In the first eight to twelve weeks, it’s important to steadily build up your stamina and get your body and joints used to the movements. This will help reduce your risk of injury and keep the training fun. Download the customisable training plans from coach Olivier Baldacchino. 

Tip 4: Avoid excessive strain at all costs

Health comes first for Dominic. For him, listening to your body is the most important thing. Pain and injuries should never be ignored. Dominic stresses that letting your ambition override common sense will eventually take its toll. His tip? Make sure you have the right shoes that suit your running style and your pace. Allow yourself a break if your body needs it.

Tip 5: Train in a team

Whatever the weather, training in a running group is easier and more enjoyable. Dominic recommends finding like-minded people who motivate you and with whom you can share your successes. You can do this with professional trainers in the Generali Running Family in Geneva, Zurich or Lucerne or digitally via the app in the Strava-group.

Tip 6: Recover properly

Progress is not only achieved through training, but also through recovery and rest. Plan a recovery phase every three to four weeks. This could be a relaxing bath, a massage or alternative exercises such as yoga, strength training or walking. “The best way to recover is and remains sleep”, says Dominic.

Tip 7: Celebrate your achievements

It’s worth keeping track of your times and distances. Note down your training results or use apps like Strava or similar to record your best times. That way you can compare the time if you run a certain route again after six weeks. Enjoy these moments – they are the key to long-term motivation.

Dominic Lobalu’s seven professional tricks will help you to achieve your running goals and set new personal bests. Having a clear objective is just as important as a personal training plan. Build up your endurance or speed step by step and always listen to your body – breaks included. Record your progress and stay on the ball. Try these tips and discover how you can take your training to the next level. Ready? Then lace up your running shoes and get going!

Free training plan

Get the customisable training plan from coach Olivier Baldacchino. With weekly training activities and objectives from 5 km to a marathon.