I firmly believe that signing up for a race is a great way to stay motivated to workout. After all, your practice runs/rides/swims are all rehearsals for the big show.
You have logged many miles so of course you want your first race to be fun! So here are a few tips from realbuzz to help you race your best!
- The night before you want to eat a well balanced, stomach agreeable meal. No need to focus on carbo loading unless you are running at a high intensity for 90 minutes or more. Drink plenty of water too!
- Make sure to wake up 2 to 3 hours before the race since your body will function much better at the starting line if you have been moving around for at least a couple of hours. Eat a light breakfast (no fried foods) and drink plenty of water.
- Arrive early so you can deal with registration and get your number. The number makes it feel so official!
- Warm up! Jog for 5 to 10 minutes and then stretch. You will feel calm and race better after warming up.
- Stay toward the back or middle of the pack at the starting line, since the front row is generally reserved for experienced runners. For the first few minutes, keep your pace nice and easy. Once you have settled into a pace that feels comfortable just enjoy the scene and the scenery.
Congratulations you're running your first race! Have fun!
Patrizia Pepe
Rochas
Mango
aww i could have used these before last weekend. i ran my first race on sunday and didnt do any of this. well i did start in the back - that def. helped.
but i slept in, ate just an hour before the race and barely warmed up. i wouldn't really say it mattered though since i was running in 90 degree heat! it's difficult to be ready for that!
1The feeling of finishing a first race is so great! I'd add a couple more:
1. Don't get frustrated if you don't actually start running or get to the start line right away. When there's a lot of people it takes a while to get moving. If you want, start your watch when you cross the start line that way you have an accurate idea of how fast it took you to run the distance.
2. Dress in something that is appropriate for the weather and that you've worn before and run in before. I made the mistake of buying a new top before a race and for the entire race the shirt kept running up and exposing my belly, it was frustrating. So if you are going to buy something new for race day make sure you do a practice run in it before.
3. Once you're at a pace pick someone who is a little ahead of you and race them. I love doing this because I'm super competitive but not an elite runner. I usually pick a dude because it boosts my self confidence that I beat him at the end. Run close to them and keep up with them, if they start slowing pass by them and pick someone new.
2Oh one more -
Have a goal in mind before the race starts. Maybe the goal is to run the whole time (i.e. not take a walk break). Or maybe the goal is to beat your personal record. Make it something achievable but still challenging. This makes the end even that much better.
3Another tip: Wear the right clothes!! Remember that anything that rubs or doesn't fit right can lead to chafing, so put Vaseline on any sensitive skin. Also, never wear brand new shoes on the day of the race or you will get blisters.
4I'm going to walk my first half marathon on Sunday. So excited! Thanks for these tips!
5great tips. i always get nervous before i run.
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