Running beginner
Running beginner
Try to get as much sleep as possible in the week leading up to the race. Unless you’re superhuman, it’s unlikely you’ll sleep like a baby the night before. Topping up the sleep-tank in the days before means you’ll be able to cope with a restless night.
Start to visualise the race. Work out your race plan and know your splits. If it’s a 2-hour half you’re after, that means 9.10 per mile. It’s a good idea to know how fast you need to run – and when.
Be properly hydrated for your race. Carry a bottle with you every day in the run up to the race and try and sip a little and often. You could also try limiting your caffeine intake and try and eat sensibly: plenty of carbohydrate in the form of pasta, and try and cut down on processed foods.
Pack your race bag early. Make sure you’ve got all your energy bars or gels, your number, safety pins, vest and anything else you’ll need on race day. Make sure you check the night before – and have a list on which you can tick the items off.
Don’t do anything different for breakfast on race day. If you’re used to running on toast and coffee, stick with it. Make sure you have a light carbohydrate breakfast to fuel you round the course.
Try and take a look at the weather reports for race day. It’s not the most exact science, but if it’s cold, you might need extra clothing.
Take an old T-shirt that you can throw away at the start line. This way you’ll stay warm right up to when the race starts.
Work out your logistics! Know which train you need to get and what stop you need to get off at to find the start. Don’t be fazed if the public transport system breaks down. And check your start time: don’t be late!
Familiarise yourself with the course. If you can, run or cycle round it the week before: this way you’ll know where the hills are and where you can push on.
Don’t get sucked into going off too fast. In big races, there’s always a temptation to run with crowds, even if they’re running too fast for you. If you go off too fast, you’ll pay for it later.