Top five tips for a successful race day
Do you have a race coming up, or is race day finally here? How exciting! Coach Colin has shared his top tips to make the most of your race.
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So you’ve been putting in the hard work and doing your best to get ready. Now, it's time to enjoy the experience. To help you cross that finish line, here are some tips from Coach Colin:
You might think that wearing your new shoes for your race is the best way to show them off. But you should never wear new shoes on race day. If you’ve bought new running shoes, make sure that you wear them on a few practice runs before your actual race.
This will help make sure the shoes are more comfortable and that they fit just right. Nobody wants painful blisters halfway through the race.
Make sure you’ve run in your race-day outfit before the big day. Sometimes, new clothes that may look comfy can rub on you and cause irritation when you’re running. Try everything on, from your shorts or leggings to your sports bra or top. If anything feels uncomfortable, use a little Vaseline to help protect your skin.
Stick to foods and drinks you’ve already used in training. It's normal for your race day nerves to upset your stomach, and new foods or sports gels can make things worse.
Eat a breakfast you know works well for you about three hours before the race starts. If you’re using gels or snacks during the run, make sure they’re ones you’ve already had before.
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You might find it easy to get carried away at the start of the race. The adrenaline, cheering crowds and excitement can make you feel unstoppable! But remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint (even if it’s only 5k).
Make sure to start at a steady, relaxed pace so you’ve got energy to finish strong.
Even if you don’t feel like you need the toilet, go anyway. Nerves on your race day can play tricks on your body, and the queues for toilets tend to get longer as the start time approaches. Go to the toilet when when you can and you’ll feel better for it!
Most importantly, have fun. You’ve worked so hard to get here. When you see it, take a moment to smile and feel proud of what you’ve achieved.
Challenge yourself this year while raising vital funds for children.
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