Many of you are going to get up on May 12th and walk or run your first 5K. That’s 3.1 miles. It’s going to be an exciting experience where you feel all sorts of emotions: nerves, anticipation, giddiness, worry. It is the standard welcome to most races, and it makes you officially normal.
Sometimes, in the excitement of completing a new goal, our minds-like our feet-start moving quicker and, before you know it, plans have run amok. You hear yourself saying, “I need new outfits: cute shorts, matching shoes. What to do? Where to go?” We are women after all. A great pair of shoes is serious business!
Or you find, as a caretaker for many people/animals/carpools/jobs, that you’ve got to make sure your “racing entourage” is ready to go to cheer you on. This is a big goal you’re establishing. It won’t be done in a vacuum. People are going to see you, and you have got to make sure that your people are taken care of properly. It’s what we do.
This is where someone will need to step in and tell you to stop. You have made big strides (literally), and many changes have occurred-with your life, with your body, with your confidence. Now everything must stay the same. What you have done in training to get here is what you must continue to do to finish. No major changes necessary.
Here’s a guideline for your race prep.
- Have your race outfit and shoes laid out and ready to go the night before your race. This outfit should be something you have trained in. It should feel comfortable to you. Nothing needs to be broken in on race day.
- If you picked up your bib number (with your timing chip attached) prior to the race those will need to be placed with your outfit as well. Timing chips should remain attached to the back side of your bib number when you pin your number to the front side of your outer most layer of race clothing.
- Place any hats, visors, sunscreen, lip balm that you have trained with by your outfit. Nothing new here.
- Any food or drink that you have used in training should be the same as on race day. Don’t take this time to try a special breakfast or smoothie. If you do, know your race port a potty locations.
- Provide a map, in advance, for your entourage. Tell them to bring signs, lawn chairs, loud enthusiasm, pockets for keys, etc. Pick a location to meet after the race. They are now on their own. You’ve got a race to finish.
- If possible, drive your race route prior to racing. If not possible, review your race map.
- Make sure you have trained at least once during your scheduled race time. If you are a person who loves night running it might be a rude awakening to meet the sun and higher temps at 8am.
- If desired, pack an after race bag. Nothing fancy. A change of clothes, towel, and some shopping money for race items you may want to purchase.
- Get a good night’s sleep before race day.
- At the starting line remember your racing pace. Your walking or running is not dictated by your neighbor’s pace. Some will be faster. Some will be slower.
- Pay attention to race course volunteers. They will keep you on the course. Tell them thank you.
- Soak it all in. Enjoy it. There are people that don’t even know you who will be yelling for you-genuinely excited to see you achieving a goal.
- Once finished, congratulate yourself. And if you still want that cute new matching outfit and shoes now is the time to make the purchase.
Good Luck.
