Running Tips
Here are some tips that are helpful when you cross the starting line on race day:
Starting the race
- Check your gear. Stick to those you have been road tested. Do not try anything new on race day.Secure your shoes! Tie them twice, but not too tight.
- Line up according to your expected pace.If you are a slow runner, chances are, you might get upset by being run (sometimes knocked) over by faster runners behind that are annoyed because of a slower runner interrupting their pace.
- Start at the right pace.Control your excitement and don’t start too fast. The adrenaline rush controls the first moments of your run, and if you run faster than you normally would, you might get tired sooner than you think.
- Be battle-ready.Have everything you need in a small bag or pouch as not everything will be provided by organizers during race day. Do not bring unnecessary stuff such as music players and other valuables as they might get lost in the sea of runners. Have a trusted companion that will store all your other things. If you have a medical condition that requires special attention, bring documents that will help emergency teams respond adequately when you are faced with such a situation.
- Both your race bib and chip are important. Take care of them; do not lose them! Aside from tracking your running times, these identify you as one of the runners.
Continuing
- Maintain your pace. If you feel then need to walk, then do so! It’s okay to walk in a race as long as you finish it. But remember, if you will slow down, run to the farthest end of the road so you won’t disturb runners wanting to overtake you.
- Use Aid Stations wisely. They are areas around the course that contain hydration aids, emergency personnel and/or toilet facilities. Use these to your advantage, but do not linger in them too much, mind other runners that need to use them as well.
- Listen to your body.
- Do not over or under hydrate. You want to take just enough fluids to keep you going. You don’t want to feel too bloated and slow down your running speed and take more toilet stops than you normally would.
- If you feel unusual pain, stop. Pull over to observe your condition. If situations are bad enough, quit the race – it’s better than making this run your last.
- Pee. Don’t hold your bladder too much just to continue running. Your time spent in taking that break will be set off when you run faster because you felt relieved. Remember though – the whole course is not a toilet.
- Dispose trash at designated areas. Do not make the whole area your trash bin. Throwing trash at unnecessary places may trip the other runners.
- Relax.Think positive, breathe properly. Too much panic consumes energy and may exhaust you.
- Suggestions are good, but not always true. Spectators are there to encourage you, so it’s better to take everything you hear from them with a grain of salt.
- Talk to the other runners at your own risk. Some want to catch a word or two with their fellow runner to get encouragement and support. But others view this chit-chat as a waste of time and energy better spent in covering more distance.
- Safety first. Being an experienced runner does not make you immune from injury, excusing you from taking precautions. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.
- Follow instructions from race organizers. Remember that by signing up for the run you agreed to submit to their authority, and your disobedience may mean inconvenience for you and for the other runners.
- If there’s something wrong, call for help. ‘Nuff said.
- Practice your finish line pose. There are others just like you who want to take snapshots of their crossing the finishing line. Do it swiftly and discreetly so you won’t spoil other racers’ moments.
Sources:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community&id=8328799
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Want_to_run_faster___or_just_better__Learn_to_relax.htm
http://www.runbritain.com/articles/marathon-race-day-tips/
http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/marathoners/marathon-dos-donts/.1
http://www.runbritain.com/articles/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-running-a-marathon/
http://marathonhyderabad.com/index.php/runners/dos-and-donts
http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2011/09/42k-dos-and-donts-before-running-a-marathon/