There were plenty of pros to the race. The race took place in early May, meaning it wouldn't be too hot or too cold -- very important for this picky female. It was also a course around Lake Minnetonka... so it'd be beautiful. Another bonus was that I was content running 6 or 7 miles as is, what was another 6 or 7 miles? What a naive thought.
I signed up. I ran the race. I struggled. I was cold and then I was too hot. I thought I'd never finish. When I did, I cried. I sat the whole day afterward, could barely walk by the the evening -- forgetting to stretch was bad news -- and basically took 6 months to fully recover. I thought, "why would anyone ever do this to themselves?"
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| Still smiling after a race |
So if you find yourself with a New Year's Resolution to run a race (Whether you're starting with a 5k or feel that you want to conquer a half), here are just a few tips I have for you as you prepare. NOTE: I don't talk about full marathons because 1) I have never run one 2) I have no desire to put that amount of pressure on my body for that amount of time 3) I don't know the necessary steps to prepare for a race of that length. But I'm sure you could use a lot of this advice towards that distance.
1. Train
This step is so so so important, not just for beginners, but professional runners as well. It's not like you wake up on race day and your body knows how to handle 10 miles. You have to work up to that pace. Most races I know of will say that after a certain amount of time, you have to quit the race. They have to re-open roads, let volunteers go home, etc. etc. So in order to actually run the race, training has to happen.
Most of the races I've been apart of have provided training plans to help you reach your goals. Some plans will have you cross train to help your body grow stronger overall (think swimming and circuit training) while also scheduling runs based on time or distance. You can also start 8 weeks in advance, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and so forth. Nike+ RunClub also has a "coach" that will help you prepare for whatever length or run you desire to do.
I didn't fall my plan to a T. I think it's hard to do that in a span of 3 months. The longer the run however, the better focused you should be. I never ran as far as I should of during my training, and I found that the last few miles of the Minnetonka Half was brutal. So make a point to find a plan and stick to it to the best of your ability.
2. Hydrate
Most races start earlier in the morning so life can carry on as usual for most people. And because I value sleep, I sleep in as late as possible before I have to drive to wherever the race is. All this adds up to the fact that I never give myself the adequate amount of water I should be drinking prior to the race. Because you will inevitably sweat during your race, you will lose ample amount of water. And without coming prepared, it'll be that much harder for your heart to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Essentially, you'll feel sluggish. Not the perfect feeling for race day.
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| Love me some water. And some medals. |
How much water do you need? Well, that is a little unclear. Everybody is a little different and will require different amounts of water. But make a point to drink some in the morning.
During the race, especially as they get longer, you will be provided hydrating stations. Bless those volunteer's hearts. This can help you revitalize yourself and feel brand new. Also worth mentioning that at some of these stations they provide drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to help boost you even more. Now I'm not one to buy these drinks unless I've been ill and need a source of electrolytes, but during a race it's like manna from heaven.
Finally, after the race is long gone, continuing drinking water. Really, just always drink water in everyday life. Your body will thank you.
3. Create a Great Playlist
I've written posts on this before and can't stress to you enough how important it is to have good music (or good podcasts if that's what you're in to). As I re-read that post, I saw songs that I wouldn't put on my list anymore (worn out) and thought of new songs that need to be their replacements. But many of those songs are still ones I would put on a longer race playlist.
Nothing makes me more crazy than hearing myself breath during a race. Maybe it doesn't bother everyone, but for me it reminds me of how out of shape I sound. I sound like I'm going to die. Probably dramatic, but I like the idea of how I look and how I sound when I breathe than the reality of it all. If I have the image that I am a gazelle that could run all day, then I have a better chance of finishing the race strong.
Running with a friend? I've done those races and I find myself still needing music to keep me going, even if I'm only listening with one earbud in.
If you don't know where or how to begin to make a running playlist, you can probably find some by searching the internet, YouTube or through Apple Music and Pandora/Spotify.
4. Wear Good Shoes
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| My beautiful Brooks. You complete me. |
I would first suggest going to a running store that can help decide what type of shoe you will need. I tend to overpronate (I put more pressure on the insides of my feet, thus needing shoes that provide extra support there to balance me out) but you might have a reverse issue, high arches, etc. These people are professional runners typically and will know exactly what you need.
As far as brands, I think it's users choice. I've used Nike and maybe Adidas once or twice, but I'm currently hooked on Brooks. They give me ample support for my running style and don't make my toes feel squished.
Once you find your shoe, try finding it in cheaper places. Or places like Run n' Fun in Minneapolis and St. Paul, give you a discount if you are apart of a running club. It's worth signing up for a club just for the discount!
Another thing to keep in mind is how much mileage you have put on your shoes. I was not aware of this, but your shoes break down after a certain distance. The support is less supportive and the soles get worn down. Most runner websites will say you can get 300-500 miles out of your shoes. That might mean you get new shoes every year, or even every six months. But if running is your thing, it's incredibly important to keep your feet as supported as possible.
5. Have Fun
At the end of the day, it's just a race. People you know may or may not come cheer for you. You'll pass runners and runners will pass you. You'll probably feel frustrated at some point. You may or may not make your goal for time. You might get injured. You might have to walk more than you thought. But you should be proud of the task you took on. Not many people can say they've run a half marathon (or a marathon). Heck, in 2016 only 17 million people in the US ran a 5k (meaning 306 million did not run). Be proud of that fact alone.
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| Running with friends can be great |
The beauty of a race is that there is always another one. Another one to get set a new PB (personal best). Another one to walk less. Another one to get through. Another one with beautiful scenery. Sign up for a race that you will love. I've done one by the ocean, one from Minneapolis to St. Paul, one around a lake, and soon, one in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Find the one that interests you most, and do that one. They even have 5ks where you get beer at the end, if that's your thing. Find one that feels right for you.
I always think that I should never run a race again while I'm in the midst of one, but by the end of the race and the few weeks after, I have that high and am scrambling to find my next race, whatever the distance. The runner's high is real and very addictive. And I live off of it. No matter how I do in a race, I'm always proud of myself afterward.
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| What a beautiful way to start a morning |
Always,
A
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