So you’ve set your sights on running your first race. Maybe its a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or even a full 26.1-miler right out of the gate. Whatever you’ve chosen, congratulations! You’ve set a goal, signed up, showed up, and gotten so many first steps behind you. Now, it’s race day, and time to take the next one.
Regardless of the final outcome, what you’ve done is already a big achievement. It took commitment to decide to run your own race your way. It took dedication to set and follow your training plan. Maybe you were also persistent in reading running articles, watching videos, or listening to podcasts. You’ve likely been paying attention to race nutrition, and enjoyed some carb-loading in your final week. You’re well hydrated, well-rested, and ready to go. Whatever final time you end up with, it will be your first personal best.
Everything you’ve been doing was intended to prepare you for the big day. Now that the day has finally arrived, here is the last best advice you need to hear before running your first race. Tried-and-true tips to get you from start to finish-line with confidence. And it all starts with a little pre-race time management.
Get to the site early
Whatever time you think you want to arrive… make it one hour earlier. It’s likely there could be driving routes rerouted, and/or issues with parking. Take a look beforehand using Google maps and make your plan for getting there. If you’re parking, be prepared to walk a good distance to reach the site. If being dropped off, or on public transportation, vehicles will only get you in so close. Give yourself enough time for walking-in, and as a bonus use it as warm-up time, too. Arriving early is much better than having to rush. You’ll already have pre-race nerves, so eliminate the stress of being late.
Use the facilities – twice
As soon as you arrive onsite, familiarize yourself. Look at the marshalling area where the race will start. There will be places for runners to check-in jackets and bags. Once you’ve gotten your bearings, proceed directly to the row of porta-potties. There will undoubtedly be line-ups, so put your patience on, wait in line, and use this standing still time to start stretching. After you’ve made it through the line and finished your business… if you still have ample time, go wait in another line and repeat the process. Relieving yourself a second time, as close to race-start as possible, will help ensure you won’t have to go during the race.
Tie your shoes – twice
People roll their eyes at this advice. But until you’ve had to stop in the middle of a race to bend over and tie a shoelace that wriggled itself free, you won’t realize how important it is. Especially if you’re striving for a certain time goal. Having to re-tie your shoes while on the run is not only annoying, but it will also slow you down, throw off momentum, and add unnecessary seconds to your final time. If you’re already anxious, it won’t help that situation, either. So it’s best to avoid it, and it’s super easy to avoid it, just by doing a double-bow on race day.
Personal items to consider
If you’re used to bringing your own water on training runs, then have your own water when running your first race. Yes, there will be hydration stations. But having your own water means you can take sips whenever you want, instead of having to wait to reach a station. While you’re at it, bring a tube of chap-stick, as lips can get dry in the elements. It will also double as ointment in case of unwanted chafing. For long distances, you’ll also want to bring a few snacks. Think gummi bears, dried-fruit, or pre-cut pieces of your favourite energy bar. Make sure it’s something you’ve already eaten on runs, though, because you don’t want to surprise your body with new food on race day.
Go easy on your pace
When the race starts, you will feel an incredible surge of energy from being in a pack of runners for the very first time! There will be a strong urge to use that energy off the top, and decide to run ‘just a little bit faster’ than your pre-determined pace. However, heed this warning and hold off. Stick to your plan. Commit to running your own race. Ease into your pace out of the gate, and avoid the temptation to kick it up a notch too early. Keep the pent-up energy until the end of the race. That’s the time you’ll need to tap into it most.
Use other runners for motivation
If at any time you find yourself waning, wavering, doubting the distance, or doubting yourself… occupy your mind by secretly running ‘with’ people. Set your sights on someone ahead of you that is running a similar speed. Make it your mission to keep up with them. Or find someone far ahead who is slower, and set out to gradually catch them. Choosing one little mission at a time will help you stay focused on the task at hand, especially when the going gets tough and your confidence starts to slip.
Smile at the finish line
No matter what your pace, keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will eventually cross that first finish line. And what a thrilling moment it will be! The best part is that it will (most likely) be captured with an automatic photo that gets triggered when you cross that finish line. So make it a fun one! Have a smile on your face, wave your arms in the air, give a thumbs up, do your signature jump, whatever you want. It’s your race, and you just ran it, baby! You’ll never be running your first race ever again. Having a photo memento afterwards is a cherished keepsake. It’s something to display along with your very first race medal. Which you totally earned, and totally deserve.
Stay for the pancakes
After all that running, you’ve also earned the right to refuel. Most races will provide a complimentary breakfast tent where runners (and typically guests, too) can go afterwards for water, juice, coffee, milk, and foods like bananas, oranges, and bagels. If you’re lucky, they might even have pancakes. If they do, get yourself a plate, find a grassy piece of real estate, and take a little time to sit and savour your big accomplishment, along with a delicious serving of fluffy pancakey goodness.
Which you totally earned, and totally deserve.
