ADVICE
RACE DAY TIPS
FOR YOUR FIRST RACE
After spending weeks , perhaps even months , training for your big racing debut , the last thing you want is stress to detract from the excitement of the day . Here ’ s a list of essential tips to make sure your race day goes smoothly .
1 Try to Register Early
It really makes sense to go to race registration early , ideally two days before the race if you can . At Race Pack Collection , you ’ ll be given your race number , which will include a timing chip attached to it , so that your time can be accurately clocked from start to finish . Make sure you do not bend that chip , otherwise it may not work on race day . Early registration will also ensure that you get your correct T-shirt size , before stocks run out .
If there is an Expo as part of race registration , there will be some great gear to check out , new things to test , and specials to cash in on . If you have the time to check it all out , and support the brands that are supporting the race , please do so , but also be mindful of spending too much time on your feet . Make sure you still have time to put your feet up and rest your feet and legs before the race .
2 Dress for Success
Overdressing has tripped up many first-time runners , so as a general rule of thumb , dress as if the weather will be a wee bit warmer than it actually is predicted , because you will heat up several degrees once you get moving in the race . If it ’ s cold on the morning of the race , wear an extra layer of thin clothing that you can strip off as the starting time nears . Many races will offer a togbag security drop-off point , so you can put discarded clothing in your bag and collect it again after the race .
On the other hand , if hot temperatures are forecast , it ’ s best to wear running gear that is made of cooler , moisture-wicking materials that absorb sweat and move it away from your skin , where it evaporates on
the outer side of the clothing , thus keeping you dry and comfortable . Also make sure you apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect those parts of the body that don ’ t take kindly to too much sun .
Last but not least , take the time to trim your toenails neatly , as this could save you from a lot of pain and discomfort both during and especially after the race . And you ’ ll avoid having an unsightly black toenail !
3 Choose Your Food Wisely
It is best to have a high-carbohydrate breakfast four hours before a race to ensure you have enough stored energy in the form of glycogen . You could therefore consider pancakes , waffles , or a nice bagel with peanut butter . However , avoif overeating , or eating rich , fatty , or high-fibre foods . While you may assume this will provide you with extra energy , it will more likely cause an upset stomach .
If you simply can ’ t get going without a cup of coffee in the morning , limit yourself to no more than one regular cup . Then sip on a bottle of water before the race . Some people prefer to hydrate an hour or two before the race , while others run better if they hydrate 15 to 30 minutes before the starting gun . You ’ ll need to work that one out for yourself .
4 Plan your Toiletries
This is a very , very important part of your pre-race planning . Some people have sensitive stomachs that don ’ t take kindly to being shaken up by running , and emptying your bowels before the run is therefore highly recommended . A further complication is that some people struggle to ‘ go ’ on the morning of the race , in which case it may be better to do so the night before the race . Also remember that most races provide porta-loos at the start , so if you are going to use one , give yourself enough time to do your business , should there be a queue for the loo – and it never hurts to bring along some extra loo paper , just for safety .
5 Pin Your Number Correctly
Your race number should be pinned onto the front of your race shirt , with a safety pin in each corner , so that the race officials can see that you are a registered participant in the race , the timing chip on the race number can do its job properly , and you can find the pics of you taken by the official race photographers by using your race number . Remember , if there is a timing chip on the back of your race bib , make sure that it is not bent or covered with clothing or a running belt .
6 Arrive Early for Great Parking
Be sure to arrive early so that you will not only avoid any traffic jams and get a great parking spot , but have enough time to do your pre-race toiletries , warm-up and motivational chatting with friends , as well as enjoy the pre-race entertainment and build-up . It will also give you time to speak to the race staff if you have any issues , and time to drop off your togbag for safekeeping .
7 Line Up Where You Should Be
Running etiquette dictates that novice runners allow faster , more seasoned athletes to line up closer to the front of the race field , especially if you are a slower runner , or intend walking some or most of the route . As much as you may want to be in the centre of the action , and get moving as soon as possible , standing
16 Run Your City Series