Friday Five: Run a Strong First Race of the Year

It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the new Friday Five 2.0. The topic this week is “Spring Fitness.” Since it snowed in Chicago and NYC this week, I am going to go off topic! Despite running road races for over 20 years, I still get nervous for my first race(s) of the year. So here are some tips to take the edge off!

Miles of smiles in 2016! Happy race. Happy place!

5 Ways to Run a Strong First Race of the Year

1. Set a realistic goal based on your winter training. Before you hit the starting line, think about your winter training. Were you able to train as well as you hoped? Did you miss training for other commitments, illness, weather? Was most of your training indoors? All of these things may play a role in your performance. Set an A and B goal based on the training you did, not last year or the training you planned on.

2. Start out at the pace you’re trained for… not at the pace you “want” to run. If you’re like me and run the same races each year, you may get caught in the “I run this half marathon in 1:xx or better” mindset. That’s great, but if you’re not trained for that pace, you could start too fast and bonk out. [This one is for especially for me for the NYC 1/2 Marathon this Sunday.]

3. Remember the “Why.” This is my 6th year in a row running the NYC Half for Alexandra’s Playground. I’ve had great races the last five. I try to remember that I’m running to support Alexandra’s Playground. This run is about more than me. I’m never going to win the NYC Half, but I know I can run strong and make a difference. Learn more and enter to win one of six great prizes HERE.

4. Stay positive. When the going gets tough, stay positive. My NYC 1/2 mantra is “my kind of race, my favorite place.” The weather may be tough this year, but I am grateful to run and any day I run in Central Park is a good day.

5. Smile! Smiling makes you feel better. You don’t have to trust me. Here’s the science and psychology.

Here are some great tips from Training Peaks, too!

How do you pump yourself up for your first race of the year? Please leave your thoughts in the comments!

Have a great weekend!