What’s Your Race Day Strategy?

June 4, 2010

Strategizing your plan of attack for a great experience at the Bellin Run starts long before you lace up your running shoes.

Bellin Health running professional Nate Vandervest – he did this year’s Green Bay Marathon in 3 hours and 5 minutes so he knows a little about running – offers tips on how to get the best out of your Bellin Run experience.

First, pick up your bib. The night before the race, make sure you set out your running attire along with your bib attached to your shirt and timing chip already fixed to your shoe.  Eat a normal meal the night before – don’t try anything new. Like always, make sure to hydrate properly throughout the day. Go to bed at a normal time; maybe even get some shut-eye a bit early.

On race day morning. Get up early and go through your typical morning routine. This tends to keep your nerves down a little. Eat something for breakfast and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Once again do not try something new. Get dressed and double-check your bib and timing chip and out the door you go. Try to arrive at the run event a little early so you have time to park, use the bathroom and warm up before the race. Find your corral and line up. Stay loose as best you can.

Bang! And they’re off! Chances are you’ll experience a short delay before you can really start running. That’s normal for everyone. Be patient. Do not weave in and out of people or run up on anyone’s heels. Not cool. Stay calm and conserve your energy for later. Eventually the race will thin out and you will have all the space you need. Find your stride and get into your game plan. Enjoy the people, places and music as you fly through the course.

Huh, that wasn’t so bad. You make the turn back onto Webster Avenue and you are giving it your all. Wave to the cameras, my friend. It’s your time to shine. After you cross the finish line the first thing that you will want to do is stop. Don’t.  Keep moving through the chute. Refreshments await you down the road on the way to Astor Park.  Meet up with your family and friends and re-live the race with all of them.

Congratulations on a job well done. Savor the moment and start thinking about next year’s event.