I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit rusty with my running race prep. It’s been a while since in person racing was a thing. I was pretty happy with the choices I made for Hood to Coast and a half last weekend. I’m going to share some of my pre and post event “must haves” in case you’re also dusting off the cobwebs.
Pick out (and test) your race day outfit and shoes. From end of 2019 until mid 2021, I got some great new gear for running, but I had to test out some items for race day. I tested out different combos of sports bras, singlets, shorts and socks to make sure there were no issues with chafing or otherwise. I also like to lay everything out the night before and double check everything. Showing up for CIM with no sports bra in 2019 taught me a valuable lesson!
Make a plan. Just like working from home, virtual (or no) racing has made me more lax about logistics and timing. I’ve been closely reading the pre-race instructions and checking directions, parking, etc. I’ve also put more energy into my race planning for pace and strategy. Since I’ve done a running streak for almost 600 days and ran slower for most of the pandemic, I’ve had to be more intentional about my training and race strategy. I feel like I’m making progress – maybe I should have been doing this all along!
Fuel up. Another thing that I’d gotten lax on was nutrition on the run. I made sure to stock up on some energy bars and chews and Run Gum. At Hood to Coast and for my recent half, I’ve been using G2G Bars (enter to win some here), Skratch Labs’ Sour Cherry Chews (with caffeine) and Run Gum. At my recent half marathon, I drank Gatorade because I’ve been having it on my long runs at the lakefront.
Know any COVID restrictions or changes. Most of the in person races in my area have some modifications for COVID. Some are spacing out the starts, requiring pre-race day number pick up or asking racers to wear masks at the start. I’ve noticed some of these things being phased out, but I’m so happy to have in person events back, I like to follow these rules as best I can.
Make yourself comfortable post run. It’s still pretty warm here and the races I’ve been to don’t have indoor facilities open. I’m loving my Orange Mud Transition Towel and Seat Wrap. I used it at Hood to Coast and my recent half to change outdoors and then to sit on for the drive home. I’m also loving my STNKY bag to stow my wet gear and my flip flops/OOFOS.
What are your tips for getting back into in person racing?
I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday. Join us!
Have a great weekend!
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