“Forget about your time! It’s about the friends you made.”
Your First Race Overview
In today’s fourth installment in a four part series on running, we focus on considerations as you prepare for your final goal, race day! We review various ‘buckets’ of preparation, followed by a brief statement about our new normal and virtual events.
Types of Race Day Prep
There are three types of preparation that should be considered as you approach the final event. These are:
- Training Prep
- Technical Prep
- Mental Prep
Training prep refers to adherence to your personalized training plan and the types of runs you implemented into your plan. Technical prep considers hydration and nutrition habits you have formed throughout training. Finally, mental prep is the work you do with your headspace. This includes visualization techniques and keeping a map of the course in clear view.
A Note About Our New Reality
We acknowledge that for at least a couple of years, running events will be modified in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID19 virus. While we will no longer experience the excitement of being around other runners and finish line hype, it is important to participate in virtual races. Your first experience can be just as exciting if you are willing to design the experience before and after (e.g., race day celebration with family).
Episode Outline
Introducing Episode 029
- Thank you for your feedback on MAF training introduction in the series #3 episode.
- Always willing to consider guests on the show
Preparing For Your First Race
- Training Prep
- You have stuck to your training schedule.
- You feel healthy.
- Technical Prep
- Especially important for long races.
- Tricks to manage course hydration.
- Tricks to manage course nutrition.
- No new shoes on race day!
- Mental Prep
- Visualize the start line.
- Print and hang course map on the wall.
- Post Race
- Plan a party.
- Evaluate your strategy and outcome.
- Sign up for your next race!
