As I've mentioned a few times before, my work pays for race entry into certain races as part of a company-wide health initiative. It has encouraged a lot of people around the office to join in on races that they may not otherwise have done. I'm sure most of you guys have a race or two under your belt... With all the Turkey Trots around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to go through some tips to help out those newbies, heading out to their first race!
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| I'm ready for my local Turkey Trot! Are you? |
1) Bibs should be worn on the front, not the back: If the race has photographers, no one will see your bib for the post-race photos. If the race is a small, local one, the finish times are usually determined by tearing off the bottom of your bib. If it is on your back, this can be cumbersome and annoying. I'm sure I was guilty of doing this exact thing for my first race, before my friend graciously told me that the bibs go on the front. Why do we assume they should go on the back? Maybe because of numbers on the back of jerseys? Either way, you'll be happier when wearing your bib on the front (and, you'll look like a pro).
2) Do not wear the shirt of the race to the race: I always think of a scene from Can't Hardly Wait. "You don't wear the shirt of the band you're in." I know some people like to do this to support the race. I can be pretty superstitious and I think it is bad luck to wear the race shirt before you've completed the race. Maybe that is just me and my goofy superstitions? I usually like to wear the shirt after the race (even immediately following) or the next day...
3) If you need to stop and walk, move to the side: I have had to do this a few times during races (ie Chicago Marathon 2011). I've even had people cut me off (and give me a dirty look) as I was slowly on my way to the side. During crowded races, there will be people cutting other people off--it is inevitable. However, it definitely is much safer trying to move to the side to walk than stopping in the middle and having people move around you. You wouldn't stop your car in the middle of the highway...
4) Line up with other runners that look around your speed: If this is a big race with a corral system, look up suggested paces of the various corrals before the race to make sure you're in the right spot. You don't want to get run over or run other people over. If it is a smaller pace, just take a guess, or ask some of the people around you. Runners are usually friendly folk, so I doubt anyone would mind the question. :)
5) Don't run more than 2 (or 3) across: This is much more of an issue at crowded races or a small/narrow course, but still something to mention.
6) Smile for the camera (or video camera): Even at small races, it is becoming more popular to have a photographer snapping photos, if only for the local Patch (or cable access show). You never know where a race photo could end up so why not smile along the way? :)
7) Have fun out there! That should be easy... :)
Does anyone else have any other tips for newbies?
Does anyone else have any other tips for newbies?
