Running Tips
Racing Tips For Runners
By Bidz dela Cruz
Race day is not the day to try new shoes, eat new foods, or wear brand new clothing. You do not have the luxury to adjust on your actual race day. That's why we call it “preparation”, the length of time when you are training for your race. This is the time when you should try new stuff, so that your body, both inside and out could adjust to it and be endemic to your senses and body responses by the time you race.
Do not try a marathon as your first race. A marathon is 42 kilometers. No normal person would want to try to “race” a marathon, considering that it is his/her first time to race. Maybe, a 42-k fun run would be more acceptable, but still, is running 42 kilometers fun? Try the 5-k or 10-k first, then the 15-k, then the 21-k. Running in this races will prepare you not only physically, but also mentally.
For races longer than 5k start out slower than you think you should. Save your energy. The actual race gives you a lot of tension stemming from nervousness and excitement of the race event. This could consume a lot of energy from you as you start racing. Tension makes you breath heavier, this consumes more energy and burns you out immediately as you run along. It also, breaks your breathing pattern which has a great impact on your run.
If you conserve your energy during the first half of a race, you can finish strong. This is an action statement to the previous tip.
When you pick up drinking cups at aid stations, squeeze gently so it folds slightly and is easier to drink from it while you are moving. Yes, the idea here is to not waste time. Most runners stop when they drink. You do not have that luxury! You are at a race! Don't waste time, and don't drink too much! The water has weight too inside your stomach, and it may slow you down. Drink while you are not thirsty. Because the tendency is to drink too much when you are thirsty.
A plastic garbage on race day is a very fashionable cheap disposable raincoat. This is applicable for races that is blessed with a heavy downpour. While it is good to run without the scorching heat of the sun that may drain your energy immediately, running during the rain gives you breathing difficulty. You might inhale raindrops. So protect your air passage with a cheap and light disposable raincoat (garbage bag).
