Let me restate that a little more accurately. I slowly jog a lot of races.
Mostly 5Ks and 10Ks but I’ve also done mud runs, adventure races and even once did a sprint tri and a half.
I’m not fast. But I always finish. And I rarely walk.
And I have a few racing rituals and tips.
First. I always choke down a peanut butter powerbar for breakfast. I hate the way they taste. But. always do it and wash it down with a Gatorade.
Panties that stay in place are also critical. I’ve had more than one friend try to convince me not to wear them at all but I haven’t even been brave enough to try.
Pee before the race. No matter what. even if it is in a smelly port-o-potty.
Don’t wear the race t-shirt to the actual race. I’m not sure why I’m such a snob about this but I am. I actually usually try to avoid wearing any kind of race shirt at all to a race to avoid any expectations that I can actually run.
Good socks, a place to tuck your key and a easily recognizable shirt or hat if I’m running with friends.
Do not skimp out on the post race freebies. Especially if it involves something you need to trade in a coupon for. Even if it is 9 a.m.
It feels really cool to throw your cup on the ground at the water stop, but someone has to pick all those up….so at least aim near a trash bag.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the starting line. Expect parking to suck. Nothing kills my energy level like sprinting to the start. And I’ve done this a lot.
On the rare occasion that I am going for speed, (and I use that word loosely), I try and pick out someone who is cruising that looks like they have atleast 50 lbs or 20 years or is in their last trimester. Nothing motivates me more than an 80 year old kicking my ass. I am also motivated by the very large breakfast I plan on eating afterwards. We all seriously considered cheeseburgers at Breadwinners this morning. Well before 10 am.
And most importantly, unless there is someone to talk to, are good running tunes….
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