HOW TO AVOID RACE DAY HICCUPS FOR SUNDAY’S NORTH WEST 10K
1. GET UP EARLY: Give yourself plenty of time to breakfast and don’t eat anything different from your usual routine. Try to eat no later than an hour before the start. Don’t forget to hydrate.
2. DRESS SMART: This is not the day to wear that snazzy new sports bra. You will regret it when it starts to chaff at the 3k mark. Wear road-tested kit. Just don’t experiment with new gear.
3. WARM UP: Walk or jog for 10-15 mins. The warm- up helps to slowly raise your heart rate and helps minimise stress on your heart when you start to run.
4. LINE UP PROPERLY: Try to position yourself with runners of similar ability. If you line up with seasoned runners you will more than likely take off too fast and finish in a heap.
5. RUN YOUR OWN RACE: You know how you’ve trained so try to find your rhythm. When the adrenaline kicks in, pace yourself. Don’t start too quickly and go hell for leather by following the pack.
6. USE OTHER RUNNERS TO BOOST YOUR RUN: If you’re feeling tired, pick out someone a short distance ahead and try to maintain the same distance. Use the pace of other runners around you to keep,you going.
7. RELAX: If you’re tense you will be less efficient. Try to remember to relax your shoulders and focus on your breathing. This will help you run easier.
8. HAVE FUN