Are you running the Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon on Friday?
Here’s our top 13 tips for running a successful race!
1. TAPERING: With the race just days away, start to reduce your training. At this point your body should be well prepared so now it’s a matter of keeping your legs ticking over with short runs and focusing on recovery.
2. SETTING GOALS: Is there a time you want to achieve? Whether it’s your first time or 10th time, have a time in mind to race towards on Friday.
3. BE CONFIDENT: Nervs are normal in the days leading up to the race, so just relax and assure yourself that the training done is enough to help achieve your desired time.
4. SLEEP WELL: If you don’t get proper sleep the night before the race then don’t worry. It can be difficult as your mind is active with pre-race thoughts. Aim to get good sleep in the days before.
5. DAY BEFORE THE RACE: From socks, shorts, shoes, money and a jacket, try to have everything prepared on Thursday so you’re not rushing around early on race morning.
6. BREAKFAST: With the race starting just after 6am, have a banana or some oats as soon as you wake up. A small snack will be easily digested by your body.
7. TRAVELLING TO THE VENUE: Check Google Maps the morning before the race to give you an idea of the timing between your home and the race location.
It’s important to give yourself enough time to travel as it’s a 5-10 minute walk from the taxi drop-off point to the start line.
8. WARM UP: When you arrive at the venue go for a short jog and stretch to loosen the muscles. You can gauge here whether your shoes are tied too tight or too loose, something that you don’t want to only realise a few kilometers into the race.
9. DURING THE RACE: The pace might feel fast at the start but relax and go at a speed that suits you. There will be pacers so slip into a group that you feel comfortable with. If it’s too fast for you then push back. If it’s too slow, move up and maintain your speed.
11. WATER: Keep drinking water at various points throughout the race. It is important to keep the muscles hydrated and regulate your body temperature so take in water every few kilometers. If you’re feeling tired then take an energy gel during the second half of the race.
11. STRUGGLE: If you’re really struggling, just keep going. It might be uncomfortable but you’ll feel 100 times better once you cross that finish line. If you want to walk for a minute, then walk, but keep pushing the legs until you finish.
12. THE FINISH LINE: Have an energy drink, a banana and some water straight away.
13. FINAL TIP: Not many people do half-marathons so it’s a great experience to say you went through a training programme and completed the race. Besides the strong finishing time that everyone wants, the main thing is to enjoy it.
