Race Rules

It’s just about fall race season, and most of us will be lacing up the special “racing” shoes for a 10k, 13.1, or 26.2 sometime soon. The calendar from September through December is jam packed with races big and small, including the Portland and Seattle Marathons, so if you are going to venture into the world of organized running, why not start now?

But before you pin that number on and line up, we here at Real Running thought we would share some tips on having a successful race day.

Pre-Race

Pre Race Rule #1: Chill Out. Most people take race day far too seriously. A 10k race is just a 6.21 mile run. Just because you are wearing a number and there is a clock over the finish doesn’t change this. If you don’t “carb load” before a regular 5-6 mile run, why would you start doing so just because tomorrow’s run is The Race to Save the Salmon? If it’s your first race and you are nervous, doing things differently is only going to heighten that anxiety. Act like you’ve been there before, as they say. Even for a full marathon, you shouldn’t be doing anything differently than you did for your long training runs.

Pre Race Rule #2: No Shopping. You don’t need special “race” clothing or shoes. And you definitely don’t want to show up for a race in untested shoes. Trust me. Those people you see at the start in shiny new shoes are going to be paying for their choice after the race.

Pre Race Rule #3: Pre-Register. The only thing you should do before the race is pre-register and, if your race lets you, pick up your race materials before race day. Trust me. Running around and standing in lines in the minutes before a race starts is a sure-fire way to stress yourself out. Which brings us to the big day!

Race Day

Race Day Rule #1: Don’t Wear the Shirt. That race shirt that you picked up early with your number and coupons for half off obscure energy drinks should be left at home. It isn’t for the race. It’s for after the race. The first time you wear that cool shirt should be the following week when someone will say, “You ran that race? Cool.” People at the race know you are running the race.

Race Day Rule #2: Don’t Wear Last Year’s Shirt, Either. In fact, all souvenir shirts should be banned. Wear something plain and colorful that will stand out in pictures.

Race Day Rule #3: Line Up in the Right Spot. No one should have to pass you in the first mile of a race. Especially in a chip-timed race, you are better off queuing up near the back of the pack so you can hit the line at your pace and not have to waste energy dodging runners and walkers. Go to the starting chute and stand where you think you should. Now back up 100 feet. There you go.

Race Day Rule #4: Smile. You’re doing this for fun. Well, maybe not fun exactly, but you are out there voluntarily. And someone is going to get a picture of you at some point in the race, so you might as well have a smile on.

Race Day Rule #5: Be Polite. Every person on the sidelines of that course is there so you can race. Every cop, course marshal, timer, aid station volunteer, sign holder, cowbell ringer, and first aid provider deserves a “thank you.” If you are spent and can’t breathe, at least a thankful wave. Seriously.

Race Day Rule #6: Be Considerate of Others. I know you learned this in Kindergarten, but let’s review this Golden Rule as it applies to other runners. Don’t slow down without making sure there is no one right behind you. Don’t merge suddenly to the side of the course. Don’t run on someone’s heels. Don’t spit without considering where it’s going to go. Don’t throw a half empty water cup at someone’s feet (especially a water station volunteer’s!) Don’t run in a cluster with five of your closest friends.

Race Day Rule #7: Have Fun. See also Race Day Rule #4 and Pre-Race Rule #1.

Race Day Rule #8: Support Other Runners. If you see someone struggling, give them a pep talk. If you get passed by someone near the finish, cheer them on or race them to the line. If someone is seriously hurt, stop and help. And when you finish, don’t bail immediately. Cheer on some finishers!

Race Day Rule #9: Celebrate! This is why beer was invented and why every race should end within walking distance of a brewpub.

Race Day Rule #10. Do it Again. As soon as you get home from your race, fire up your web browser and sign up for your next race. Just finished a 10k? Give the half marathon distance a shot.

Happy racing.

This article first appeared in the October edition of Northwest Runner Magazine.

Next up for me is the Seattle Marathon. Where are you running next?