So you’ve done the hard part and signed up for your first race. You have completed your training plan and now the end goal is in sight.
Your work is not done yet however. Your actions on the morning of your race can have a huge effect on the race ahead.
Check out our 5 quick tips below to help you get to the start line fully prepared and ready to get the most out of your race.
1. Arrive Early
Arriving to the event, rushing through registration and dashing to the start line is without doubt the first steps towards an unsuccessful race. Plan ahead and check your journey route the night before; try to get there at least 1 hour before the race. This gives you ample time in case of any parking issues or long queues at registration. Most importantly it gives you time to settle your nerves, get a feel for the task ahead, and get a quality warm up done before the race begins.
2. Quiz the folks at registration
Usually the folks at registration tend to be pretty familiar with the race route, whether they have previously taken part in the race or they are locals and are familiar with the route. Try to get the lay of the land off them when registering. They will be more than happy to offer some advice and give you an insight into what lies ahead.
3. Tune into the Pre-Race Brief
It can be very easy to get caught up in chat with other racers, or even get into your own personal zone at the start line and assume that the pre-race brief is just the standard breakdown of race rules and health and safety directions. However, from our experience, the race directors will often drop a few hints about the route. It may be a quick reference to “keeping some in the tank for a little sting in the tail” (which usually means a bloody steep hill close to the end!), or a comment about a head wind on a certain section of the route. Trust us, you will be glad to know what lies ahead of you so that you can pace yourself and be prepared for it when the time comes.
4. Find The Start Line Spot That’s Right For Your
At this stage you should have a fair idea of your own ability. It may be your first trail race but you have ran many road races, it could be your first adventure race but you have taken part in triathlons before, or it could even be your first race full stop but you are fully tuned into your bodies abilities. Whichever the case is, don’t get caught up in the excitement of the event and rush to the top of the pack for a sprint start if you can’t maintain that pace for the duration of the race. Conversely, don’t allow yourself to get caught at the back of the pack for a slow moving start if you have the ability to compete higher up the pack. Mingle through the crowds for a few minutes before the race begins and find your sweet spot in the pack for when the race starts.
5. Contain That Excitement
This is really a follow on from point number 4. It’s very easy on race day to get caught up in the buzz of it all and take off like Usain Bolt from the starting block, but try to remember your training and game plan. Stick to your planned pace from the start and ignore the hoards. Trust us, you will find yourself catching and passing lot of these folks as the kilometres pass by and their pace drops off from the rushed start. However, this advice goes for longer races like 5k’s and upwards. If it is a very short sprint distance race then ignore the above and run like hell!
To Sum It All Up…
While the above tips will help you to get the best out of your race, the main thing to remember is that your first race is an opportunity to learn and gain some experience. Most importantly your first race should be an enjoyable one. Races and events are great social occasions, so try not to get too wrapped up in the race itself and have some fun!
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