Tomorrow is the big day: my very first fun run. At this stage, I don't know what is more daunting: running a race, or getting up at six on a Sunday morning.
If you are joining me for the Truworths 5 km run tomorrow, here are a few race day tips by personal trainer and top tri-athlete, Lodi Cronje:
Try to get ample rest the week before the race day.
Be at the race venue early enough to get parking and have sufficient time to enter for the race and be at pre-race brief.
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If you are very nervous, rather skip breakfast and have a banana or toast with some jam on for a snack.
Drink some water before you leave home and go to the toilet before the race starts - it helps to get there early. Please take your own toilet paper!
Make sure you pack a fresh set of clothing i.e. T-shirt and a warm jacket like a windbreaker. It can be cold.
Also take a waterproof jacket, especially in Cape Town.
When you go to starting line, stand in the middle of field or to the back. This allows the faster runners to get away without having to run over you. Start you watch and look out for the distance marker on the side of road.
Keep track of the time for the first and second kilometer. Work out what your average pace is. If your pace is faster than your target pace, slow down a bit. Or speed up if you have to.
The first kilometer will always be very slow due to congestion at the start.
Have water along the route. No Coke - have it afterwards!
Above all, enjoy the run and look at the scenery.
These guidelines can be applied to longer races but there will have to be a bit more preparation on eating breakfast etc.
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