My Top 5 Tips For Best Results On Race Day

I’ve been running now since 2017 and I started fairly late, way into my thirties! But over the years I’ve learnt through my mistakes what generally works well during race days and what definitely does not! Sometimes the race has gone better than I expected, and other times it’s fallen short, but I’ve learnt something about myself every time I’ve crossed that finish line. So I thought I’d share with you my top 5 tips for achieving the very best results on race days. 

Number 1 – Set Three Goals

What I mean by this is most people enter a race and set a time goal, usually their Personal Best time to beat, which is absolutely fine and something I do myself. Usually that’s my ‘A’ Goal after completing numerous races over the years, however set a backup/B and even C goal too. This could be ‘to complete the race under X time’ or ‘to not stop throughout the race’ , or even just to cross that finish line. 

By setting additional goals you set yourself up for a more rounded and satisfying race day. You may fall short of beating the time you’d set, or your personal best, but you can at least say you’ve hit other goals and really got something out of your race. Don’t be disappointed just because your time wasn’t your very best. It’s all about perspective and how you see the race at the finish line, and doing it this way will likely see you enter further races, gain more experience and then beat future PBs you set! 

Number 2 – Slow Runs Are Key

I think there’s too much focus on pace when it comes to preparing for a race. Whether it’s your average pace, set pace or just beating a pace for a particular kilometre or mile, but actually running further distances beyond the distance of the race you’ve entered, slowly builds up your stamina for race day. 

Often I’d be surprised with how fast my pace was on race day without even knowing it, because the crowd, the runners and the day itself just carry you forwards! But if you haven’t put in the miles to get to that point, you won’t be helping yourself. So forget the ‘average pace’ that shows at the end of the run on your watch, think instead about the miles you’ve ran and gained towards your practice. 

Number 3 – Follow A Plan

This advice goes for runners at all levels, whether it’s to beat their personal best, or just finish their first 10K run. It goes without saying but without a plan how do you know how to get to where you’re trying to get to? These plans are fully tested and they work. There are so many that are online and free. Don’t just blindly set out and run the same run 3 or 4 times in a week. They’ll get boring but they’re also not preparing your body to achieve at its maximum capacity. 

Tempo runs, Intervals, Fartlek and Long runs all play a major part in helping you for the race you’ve entered. You’re going to do the runs anyway, so why not do the correct runs to help you gain the most from your race day experience?

Number 4 – The Right Shoes

Of course when it comes to practice runs and just running in general, you can just wear virtually any set of trainers or basic running shoes. Nothing is stopping you from going into your wardrobe and picking up a pair of your old trainers and going out for a run, which is fine when you’re starting out at the very beginning.

But not all shoes are the same when it comes to running. For long distance slow runs, they have to go the distance with you and be comfortable for your feet. They have to offer appropriate grip in difficult conditions such as wet ground and be adaptive as well. Here are some great examples of waterproof trainers you can try. Just remember that each time you run, you’re investing with your time towards your future best, so it’s also worth spending a few extra pounds by running in the right shoes that compliment the goals you wish to achieve. 

Number 5 – Enjoy The Experience

Race day should not be a grind and a difficult slog where you’re struggling throughout the run. Running alongside your fellow runners on race day is a celebration of running itself, so embrace the experience by bringing your energy to the start line, provide reassurance to those around you and don’t forget to smile! (not just when they’re taking your photo half-way through!). 

 

Adam Warren