Run Like a Rockstar - 10 Tips For a Rockin' Race Day
All right, Chicago. You've trained hard and not the big day is finally here. But who wants to get tripped up with timing chip issues or missing the bike valet? Here are 10 tips to have a rockin' 10K with the Chicago Nike+ Human Race.
Bling
Lay out your race-day gear the night before or morning of the race. Your timing chip should be zip-tied to your shoe laces before you even have your socks on. And b sure to race in something you've trained in, too; Chafing is definitely NOT rockstar quality.
Leave something for the fans
Wear warm-ups and check gear that you can live without - 99% of runners' checked items are returned to them in pristine condition, but don't cramp your style stressing about the brand new, $200 track jacket you bought yesterday.
Rolling in the Benjamins, baby
Bring cash - it may get soggy, but if you're driving you'll need money for parking, and you'll definitely want some moolah for the post-race festivities at the concert in Soldier Field. Paper clip a few $20s to the hem of your shorts or tuck some cash in your shoe wallet, it never hurts to be prepared.
Everybody do the Running Man
Although it will be beautiful and warm afternoon in Chicago, be sure to warm up and stretch out those legs. Running approximately 1 mile, or jogging in place will loosen up your legs and prepare you to hit your race pace within the first kilometer.
Don't cramp your style
Remember, patience is a virtue. Avoid throwing elbows or bobbing in weaving as you make your way through the walkers and slower joggers. Starting and stopping just wastes energy without taking you very far. As you ramp up to race pace, try to achieve "daylight" between you and other runners, which is basically two full stride lengths.
First is the worst, second is the best...
Unless you need it, veer wide of the first water stop - much spillage, tripping, slipping, and shoving occurs, kind of like trying to navigate the Red Line during rush hour. Instead, sip on some water at the start line, skip the first water stop, and aim for the second.
I love rock-n'roll
But passing runners plugged into their mp3 players can be a dangerous endeavor. If the guy in front of you is belting the chorus to "Bohemian Rhapsody", he probably can't hear you. Opt to pass when he simmers down the singing, and holler, "On your left!" Pass with caution and avoid cutting anyone off - PowerSongs can really amp some runners up.
Paparazzi
There will be photographers and videographers all over the race course, especially near the cheer stations where you'll be getting that extra push. Steal your 15 seconds of fame - smile! You're allowed to have fun on the course, even if you're racing. Who knows, you may become the cover girl/guy of the Chicago Nike+ Human Race 10K!
The final countdown
Finish strong through the line...and keep going. Everyone around you is also excited to be done and everyone around you wants that bottle of water just as much as you. Keep moving, shuffle through, and grab your water. No stopping until you hit the chip removal station, or you may get knocked down by the 200 lb Clydesdale just finishing behind you.
Let's get physical, physical
I know, you just finished a 10K and ran your heart you. But cool down. Walk around the sponsor village, keep shaking out the legs and moving the blood. Once your heart rate dips toward normal, get in a brief stretch where you can - the worst feeling is tight hamstrings and calves the morning-after.
Have a prearranged spot to meet up with your family and friends after the race. Anything solid and immovable is best, like a tree, the front steps of a building, or Mike, who quit running three years ago. Don't suggest something like the middle of Soldier Field, which could be jam-packed with runners by the time your party is done rockin'.
Have a rockstar race, Chicago! And get amped to be a part of the largest one day running event EVER!
Bling
Lay out your race-day gear the night before or morning of the race. Your timing chip should be zip-tied to your shoe laces before you even have your socks on. And b sure to race in something you've trained in, too; Chafing is definitely NOT rockstar quality.
Leave something for the fans
Wear warm-ups and check gear that you can live without - 99% of runners' checked items are returned to them in pristine condition, but don't cramp your style stressing about the brand new, $200 track jacket you bought yesterday.
Rolling in the Benjamins, baby
Bring cash - it may get soggy, but if you're driving you'll need money for parking, and you'll definitely want some moolah for the post-race festivities at the concert in Soldier Field. Paper clip a few $20s to the hem of your shorts or tuck some cash in your shoe wallet, it never hurts to be prepared.
Everybody do the Running Man
Although it will be beautiful and warm afternoon in Chicago, be sure to warm up and stretch out those legs. Running approximately 1 mile, or jogging in place will loosen up your legs and prepare you to hit your race pace within the first kilometer.
Don't cramp your style
Remember, patience is a virtue. Avoid throwing elbows or bobbing in weaving as you make your way through the walkers and slower joggers. Starting and stopping just wastes energy without taking you very far. As you ramp up to race pace, try to achieve "daylight" between you and other runners, which is basically two full stride lengths.
First is the worst, second is the best...
Unless you need it, veer wide of the first water stop - much spillage, tripping, slipping, and shoving occurs, kind of like trying to navigate the Red Line during rush hour. Instead, sip on some water at the start line, skip the first water stop, and aim for the second.
I love rock-n'roll
But passing runners plugged into their mp3 players can be a dangerous endeavor. If the guy in front of you is belting the chorus to "Bohemian Rhapsody", he probably can't hear you. Opt to pass when he simmers down the singing, and holler, "On your left!" Pass with caution and avoid cutting anyone off - PowerSongs can really amp some runners up.
Paparazzi
There will be photographers and videographers all over the race course, especially near the cheer stations where you'll be getting that extra push. Steal your 15 seconds of fame - smile! You're allowed to have fun on the course, even if you're racing. Who knows, you may become the cover girl/guy of the Chicago Nike+ Human Race 10K!
The final countdown
Finish strong through the line...and keep going. Everyone around you is also excited to be done and everyone around you wants that bottle of water just as much as you. Keep moving, shuffle through, and grab your water. No stopping until you hit the chip removal station, or you may get knocked down by the 200 lb Clydesdale just finishing behind you.
Let's get physical, physical
I know, you just finished a 10K and ran your heart you. But cool down. Walk around the sponsor village, keep shaking out the legs and moving the blood. Once your heart rate dips toward normal, get in a brief stretch where you can - the worst feeling is tight hamstrings and calves the morning-after.
Have a prearranged spot to meet up with your family and friends after the race. Anything solid and immovable is best, like a tree, the front steps of a building, or Mike, who quit running three years ago. Don't suggest something like the middle of Soldier Field, which could be jam-packed with runners by the time your party is done rockin'.
Have a rockstar race, Chicago! And get amped to be a part of the largest one day running event EVER!
