GTU...Race Ready

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Okay everyone!! It is race season and we are back! We have some fun things coming up and are excited to be back with you to share what we know and have learned about everything endurance!! We had so much fun going on Good Things Utah on Monday talking about getting Race Ready! If you missed it...you can check it out...

Prepping For Race Day - Good4Utah.com

 

 Here is what we talked about:

Participation in running events has soared in popularity. Whether it is a 5K, Half marathon or Full marathon, each distance is unique and long enough to provide different types of challenges. You need to physically get ready for the distance and mentally as well. Then comes race week and then race morning!! Here are 5 important things to do for getting ready to rock whatever run course you have waiting for you!!! 

#1 - LAY OUT YOUR GEAR THE NIGHT BEFORE

It may sound like elementary school, but lay out your clothing and gear the night before so you are not rushing around in the morning. You are more likely to forget something during a rush. Pin your bib number on your shirt - the simple chore of finding safety pins on race morning can cause unnecessary stress. Make sure your timing chip, if the race is using one, is secure following the instructions given to you. Items to lay out can include: shirt, shorts, shoes, socks, bib number, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, watch, and water. Check the forecast for race day to make sure you will be wearing appropriate clothing and will not be too hot or too cold. Also, it isn't the best idea to wear new clothing to a race. Buy that cute outfit ahead of time and go on a couple training runs to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin. 

#2 - SLEEP WELL

Chances are you are going to be nervous the night before a race, and may not well. This just means you are pumped and excited to run. Don't worry, one night of interrupted sleep shouldn't affect your performance. While you should go to bed early the night before a race, it is most important to sleep well the week leading to the race and most especially the second to last night before.

 

#3 - EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST

Just like a car needs gas, runners need fuel. What you eat, or don't eat, can make or break your running; the most foolish thing to do on race morning would be to skip breakfast. Be sure to feed your body good foods high in carbohydrates and protein, and low in fat, but something you know you can stomach before a run. In other words, don't try grandma's new red pepper omelet before your race!

A few suggestions would be oatmeal, pb&J, bananas, blueberries, bagel.

#4 - ARRIVE EARLY

Don't exert all your energy before the race even starts by trying to find a parking spot and then rushing to the start line. Know the designated race parking spots ahead of time, study directions to the venue, and then plan to arrive early. Factor in traffic and road construction, if necessary. This will allow you time to warm-up and enjoy the pre-race routine, and will help you start the actual race in a more relaxed state. Also, leave plenty of time to hit a last minute port-a-pottie. The lines are long and you really need to prepare ahead for these things!

 #5 - RELAX AND ENJOY THE RUN

Races are meant to be fun. Whether it's your first or your fiftieth race, crossing that finish line is an unforgettable feeling. Soak up the accomplishment and revel in the atmosphere. If you don't hit your goal time, don't be discouraged. It happens to the best, and only makes you more determined to keep training hard.

The Utah Valley Marathon, Half & 10K is only a few weeks away and there are still some spots left. This is a great race where you can come and practice the things that we just went over! The scenery is beautiful with Deer Creek Reservoir, Bridal Veil Falls, Provo River and you run down beautiful Provo Canyon. Plus, the gentle downhill on all the distances helps aid your speed! Not to mention there is a FREE kids 1K race for all kids 12 & under! For more information or to register visit www.runun.com.

 

We will be down there running the half marathon so come and join!! Also, we will be speaking at the expo on Friday night at 5:30 pm about nutrition and would love to see some of your faces!! And like always, feel free to contact us with any training questions you may have!  Happy Running!!!

 

And since it is summer...it was bring your kids to work day!! These 2 had so much fun on the set...acting like they were on the news. And of course my Mr. Squishy was there and you will see him on TV if you watch the segment!!