We have 35 TPers registered for the Robbie Burns race and this is by far the greatest number of us that have risen to a race challenge.  Races aren't for everyone, but I'll tell you, nothing can compare to my first 5 km race and each subsequent race thereafter.  You are pushing yourself to accomplish a new goal and the medal and race number will live in your house for weeks to come!

 

We have a little over a week to go and if you've been coming to TP and moving your tush, don't be worried.  This is a new experience for a walking organization to be invited by an elite running group such as the Burlington Runners, so of course I owe it to you to make sure you are prepared for the days leading up to the race, and the race itself. 

 

Don't know if you knew this, but it's against race etiquette to wear any item from your race kit before you've run the race.  Kinda like wearing a race t-shirt from a race you never entered or completed.  SOOOO, I have a small number of TP shirts left and would love it if you wanted to wear one over your long wear, which I will be doing.  We've reduced the price down to $20 even and I will have the shirts with me at the IS classes and 8 week personal training classes until the race.  I have the following sizes left:  xs (3), s (6), m (3), xl (2). 

 

I know you will make it through the race, that's not a concern for me and shouldn't be a concern for you.  I would recommend however that you are out working your bodies this week and optimally, that you do the TP Turbo class on Saturday morning at 7 am to get some real distance into you.  If you can't make it, I would love for you to do one 60 minute walk on your own (with no stationary muscle) to get those legs used to the constant movement.  Next week, I would recommend that on Saturday (day before race), you don't do the TP Turbo, but instead do the 8:15 am class that is a shorter distance, or do your own walk.  Over the next 2 weeks, definitely not the time to start some new athletic pursuit.  Keep doing what you're doing.

 

Have you heard of carb-loading?  That's what you do when you're going in a long-long distance race.  As much as I would like to have an excuse to consume a triple order of pasta the night before, 8 km does not warrant that much stored glycogen and will only weigh you down.  Eat as you normally would the night before, make sure you have some sort of complex carb, stay away from really spicy food or too much of the vino that might upset your stomach.  Believe me guys, you're going to have nerves the night before and the morning of the race.  This is why the porta-potties at races have constant line-ups.  The morning of the race, get up at a time where you can eat a light breakfast 2 hours before race start.  Keep it something that you would normally eat....toast with pb and jam, oatmeal, whatever you can digest.  Have your usual hot/cold drink and 1 hour before the race, I would recommend another fluid and some simple carbs 30 minutes before to give you that little boost (I stick to dried fruit, jelly bellies, fruit chews...whatever works for you).  If you have more questions guys, write me!  This is a personal thing and again, would recommend giving things a try before race day.

 

You will need to pick up your race kit at Foot Tools before the race.  This usually happens on the Friday, but we'll get an email about it soon.  In your race kit will be your number, free stuff and it's a fun time to get in the spirit.  On your race day is when you'll get the timing chip which will be worn around your ankle to record your time in the system when you step over the start and finish pads. 

 

Race Day

The runners will start at 9:00 am and walkers at 9:05 am.  We will be told soon when timing chip pick-up opens, and I recommend being there at a time where you're not going to feel rushed or worried you'll be caught in traffic.  We'll all be there together and we'll be able to shake off each other's nerves.

 

Here are some basic rules which I learned from races and reading many Runner's World magazines:

1)  Pick your place in the crowd:  at the starting block, don't stand in the front if you know you're slower than others.  You will slow down people, possibly get trampled and since you have a timing chip, your personal time will be clocked from when you cross the start line.

2) Corners count:  My biggest pet peeve is when racers cut the corners by jumping over the curbs.  Sure it's only a few seconds difference, but it's demoralizing when they're doing it to get ahead.  Also, if you stay close to the inside of the road, you will shave time off.  So, if we're coming up to a right turn, try to hug the corner as you make your turn.

3) Look before you move:  It's like driving a car.  You check your blind spot and signal.  A few times in the race you may need to pass someone.  You do this by checking over your shoulder, I do a little signal with my hand at the side of the hip and then I move over.  You don't want to trip anyone, and you don't want to flip over anyone's foot either.

4) Water stops:  This is another thing to learn before your first race.  There will be water stops along the way.  You don't have to stop...you stop if you need them.  They will be on the right hand side of the course.  Same thing as stopping in your car.  Look over your right shoulder, give that hand flick and move in to pick up a cup, keep moving through the water stop and then toss it to your right and continue on.  Some people like to stop and sip, some people have mastered the ability to keep moving.  Whatever you do, DO NOT cut from the left across three people and stop dead in your tracks in front of a water cup.  Make sure you're on the right.

5) Walking with friends:  Sometimes people like to pair up in a race.  This is a great motivational tool, however, I recommend only running/walking two wide.  You again don't want to clog up the roadway for others who want to pass you.  As well guys, if you're doing this race for a personal best or benchmark, be honest with your friends and split up during the race and go at YOUR pace.  They'll still love you and you can hug at the end.

6) Keep your stride a walk:  if you're power walking this race, you need to keep it to a walk.  The minute you move into a run is the minute you're competing in the race category and that's not fair to the ones trying to win in the power walking category.

7) Have fun:  Enjoy the zing in the air, the cheering crowd, and the fact that the streets are closed for you.  There is always great food after the race and they're going to have door prize draws and prizes.   I believe this will all take place inside the school so we'll be warm! 

 

And to end...no, we are not carrying our weights with us!  Enjoy the muscle free burn!  For your outfits, you also don't want to be stopping to take off tons of layers so really use these next 2 weeks to test out what your race outfit will be.  Lay it out the night before, try it on a million times and don't wear anything that you haven't worn already....there are many horror stories of bloody body parts from wearing new socks, underwear and shoes on race day without breaking them in! 

 

Ask me any questions you have and keep moving!  So exciting!

 

Sue