A bit more about... races

Week 10's schedule has already been posted here (see 2 blogs down).

All of you are now capable of doing a 5K race!
Race for Life is a great first race – beginner friendly & inclusive - we could all aim to do Southampton this year? It’s on Sunday 12th July at 11am:
http://www.raceforlife.org/choose-your-event/southampton--12-jul-09-1100.aspx

What you need to do:
1. Enter
Some races fill up quicker than others.

2. Train
Be clear with yourself what your goal is. For any first time distance, a good aim is to get around, not worrying about speed. Your training should reflect your goal.
Reflect the race’s time of day in your training – if it’s a summer morning start, include some summer morning runs in training.
Build up a race plan – what time do you want to pass 1k/2k/3K/4K/5K in? Most races have signs up at each kilometre mark – which is great for checking your pace.
If you will be running the race with a friend, agree between you what the plan will be.
Don’t run at all in the days before the race. If it’s on a Sunday, do your final training run on Tuesday or Wednesday for a 5K.

3. Race Day!
On the night before, lay out your normal kit. Now is not the time to try out new stuff! Ensure you have the following ready:
· Race Number (complete the back with emergency contact info)
· Safety Pins for affixing race number
· Tissues –in case you need the loo when you get to the start
· A watch so you can stick to your race plan
· Supporters are fabulous! Plus they can hold spare kit for you (e.g. warm top)
· Read the race pack to check on start time & place
Organisers like to get you to the start an hour before – but this can feel like an age. Look at parking provision, assume heavy traffic & base your decision on that. If you do need to park some distance away, it’s not a bad thing – good warm up/cool down opportunity.

At the start line, hanging back is good - you will be overtaken less and your pace will be less influenced by others.

Check the time as you go over the start line and then STICK TO YOUR PLAN! Treat the race as a training session – warm up before the start, check your breathing, take a walking break if needed and don’t forget to stretch afterwards.
If you’ve stuck to your plan, you may have the energy for a crowd pleasing sprint at the end!