Are you race ready? I mean it's running, so how hard could it be, right? I just lace up my shoes, hit the start line and wait for the sound of the gun. I guess this would work just fine, but here is some advice to help make your race a bit more comfortable and to make it easier to get up and run again the next day (or a few days later, depending on your distance).
1.) Eat something simple, that you are used to eating, a couple of hours before the race. You don't want to eat a bunch of new foods or worse yet rich and or greasy foods right before a run. Running pulls the blood into the major muscle and necessary parts of the body for running. The digestive track is not one of those systems during the run. Try a few different foods and drinks now, while you are still in training to see what sits best and gives you the energy you need for your event.
2.) Start hydrating your body the day before the race. The morning of the race start drinking water again and continue sipping from your bottle, right up until the start of the race. If you wait to drink until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. It is difficult and very dangerous to run a distance race in a dehydrated state. The body needs water to keep all of your systems going, especially your cardiovascular system.
3.) Warm up! It won't waste energy! It will prepare your body and help you run and injury free event. Even jumping jacks and jogging in place will help. A little warm up is better than no warm up.
4.) Do not wear anything new on race day. I know you want to look cute. I know they are exactly the same as the shoes you have been training in. Even new socks can cause problems like blisters. Run in what you have been running in. Stick with what works. This will help you avoid chaffing and blistering and rubbing and adjusting-all the things that come with breaking in new clothes and shoes. Buy something cute to throw on after your race and a new pair of shoes for a new training season.
5.) Try to run a consistent pace. If you aren't sure your best pace, it is better to err on the side of a bit slower pace. Use your arms to help you climb the hills and then relax and enjoy the pull down the other side.
6.) If you will have a cool start, wear something to keep warm over your race clothes that you don't mind getting rid of. When it's time for the race to start, you can take it off and throw it to the side of the road.
7.) If you are running a longer race, put some fuel in your body right before and about every 20-30 minutes during the race. I personally like the GU brand gel. You should test out several products while still training to find what works best with your body and doesn't create abdominal difficulties.
8.) If it is a large race, expect to get bumped and cut off periodically. It happens.
9.) A few days prior to the race, if possible, just like high school cross country days, familiarize yourself with the course. At check in, make sure you know where you drop your gear and pick it up, and find the bathrooms.
10.) Be prepared for weather changes and a nervous stomach. You may feel well the night before, but anything can happen.
11.) Most importantly, enjoy the entire process. Find something in every aspect of your training and racing that bring you joy. If after the first race, you discover that racing is too stressful for you, that's okay. That doesn't mean running isn't for you. Make a journal of what you do enjoy about running. That way, win or lose, you can see all that running has done for you physically and mentally and can look forward to the next run.
1.) Eat something simple, that you are used to eating, a couple of hours before the race. You don't want to eat a bunch of new foods or worse yet rich and or greasy foods right before a run. Running pulls the blood into the major muscle and necessary parts of the body for running. The digestive track is not one of those systems during the run. Try a few different foods and drinks now, while you are still in training to see what sits best and gives you the energy you need for your event.
2.) Start hydrating your body the day before the race. The morning of the race start drinking water again and continue sipping from your bottle, right up until the start of the race. If you wait to drink until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. It is difficult and very dangerous to run a distance race in a dehydrated state. The body needs water to keep all of your systems going, especially your cardiovascular system.
3.) Warm up! It won't waste energy! It will prepare your body and help you run and injury free event. Even jumping jacks and jogging in place will help. A little warm up is better than no warm up.
4.) Do not wear anything new on race day. I know you want to look cute. I know they are exactly the same as the shoes you have been training in. Even new socks can cause problems like blisters. Run in what you have been running in. Stick with what works. This will help you avoid chaffing and blistering and rubbing and adjusting-all the things that come with breaking in new clothes and shoes. Buy something cute to throw on after your race and a new pair of shoes for a new training season.
5.) Try to run a consistent pace. If you aren't sure your best pace, it is better to err on the side of a bit slower pace. Use your arms to help you climb the hills and then relax and enjoy the pull down the other side.
6.) If you will have a cool start, wear something to keep warm over your race clothes that you don't mind getting rid of. When it's time for the race to start, you can take it off and throw it to the side of the road.
7.) If you are running a longer race, put some fuel in your body right before and about every 20-30 minutes during the race. I personally like the GU brand gel. You should test out several products while still training to find what works best with your body and doesn't create abdominal difficulties.
8.) If it is a large race, expect to get bumped and cut off periodically. It happens.
9.) A few days prior to the race, if possible, just like high school cross country days, familiarize yourself with the course. At check in, make sure you know where you drop your gear and pick it up, and find the bathrooms.
10.) Be prepared for weather changes and a nervous stomach. You may feel well the night before, but anything can happen.
11.) Most importantly, enjoy the entire process. Find something in every aspect of your training and racing that bring you joy. If after the first race, you discover that racing is too stressful for you, that's okay. That doesn't mean running isn't for you. Make a journal of what you do enjoy about running. That way, win or lose, you can see all that running has done for you physically and mentally and can look forward to the next run.
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