Running a better race can mean different things to different people. For many, it is setting a new personal record (PR). Others want to feel good and stay strong through their event. Some want to just go out and have fun. Whatever running a better race means to you, here are some tips that will help you get to the finish line!
Race training programs are distance specific, as they should be. There are some tried and true techniques and strategies though, that will help you run better at any distance.
Did you miss this? Here are 5 Tips to Run Faster at Any Distance.
Whatever your running goals, these 9 tips will help you run a better race (at any distance)! #running #runningtipsClick To Tweet9 Tips to Run a Better Race (at any distance)
Train specific to your race distance
Race training programs are distance-specific, as they should be. There are certain types of workouts that work great for a 5k, but would have little benefit if you were running a marathon. And vice versa. You need to do the correct training that will help you build the specific strengths for the distance for which you are training.
Follow your training plan
There is a reason you have a plan. Whether you designed it yourself, or you hired a coach, or you found a plan on the internet, there are specific things you should be doing at each point in your training. Follow your training plan and you will be successful in your race.
Fuel for your training
Eat healthful, whole food and you will be more successful in your training. Food is fuel and it is what our bodies need to perform well. The days of filling up with fries and desserts after a run are long gone.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Staying hydrated will help you run better and recover faster. Drink fluids before, during and after your runs. On race day, top off your fluid tank a couple hours before your race starts, especially for longer distance races.
Start your training with (at least) two pairs of new shoes
Alternating shoes will help them last longer. Starting with new shoes will ensure that they will go the distance with you. You can choose two of the same model, or alternatively, select different styles of shoes that are specific to your training.
Study your race course
Take the time to check out the race course. Is it hilly? Are there lots of turns? Is it as flat as a pancake? Knowing these things will help you train correctly. If you have the opportunity, do some training runs on your course. That will help you in your race planning.
Fuel for your race
Even if you’re eating healthfully throughout your training, make sure to pay attention to what you eat in the days leading up to and the morning of your race. Stick with what you know. You don’t need to carbo-load for shorter distances, but you might want to eat a higher concentration of carbs the last few days before a full or half marathon. Eat lightly the morning of your race, again sticking with what you know and have eaten before your runs.
Have a race plan
Your race plan develops during your training. As you train and learn what your goal pace feels like, you can create a plan to accomplish your goal. Know how fast you should be running at different points in your race. Then do it! One of the biggest mistakes that runners of all distances make is starting too fast. A plan will help you avoid this and help you finish strong.
Visualize success
Don’t allow negative thoughts to affect your race. You did the training, you are well fueled and hydrated! Imagine yourself crossing the finish line feeling great, at your goal time! Yes, you can do this!
What is your best race tip? How would you run a better race?
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Catrina
Solid tips, Debbie!
Another thing that helps me is having a rabbit. My husband is faster than me, but not too much. His pace is great for me to chase.
I can’t always do it (for example, last Sunday, I couldn’t keep up), but mostly, it works out well.
Debbie Woodruff
Yes, that would be very helpful. My husband is faster than me too but if I try to keep up it just wears me out. 😂
Lisa @ Mile by Mile
Great suggestions! I definitely think following a good plan is key. Then you just need to execute well on race day! Of course fueling, hydrating, and good shoes are important too!
Debbie Woodruff
A plan is everything! And it basically includes everything else.
Wendy
These are all great tips! Getting familiar with the race course–whether I have run it before or by studying the map helps me a ton! I don’t like surprises, so knowing where I’m going helps a lot.
Debbie Woodruff
I agree, plus knowing the terrain can help you train properly for the race.
Darlene S. Cardillo
Thanks for sharing. All are important.
Do I do them? Nope. Not always.
But I know I should.
Debbie Woodruff
Just to the things that you need and work for you.
Deborah Brooks
Paying more attention to hydration and fueling have made a huge difference for me this year.
Debbie Woodruff
They’re both so important.
Denise
I had a coach for the Big Bear Marathon and he told me what to expect mile for mile. The best advice was telling me at mile 13 (I think) there was an uphill (the race was a downhill course) and to not worry about slowing down because I would make it up later. If he hadn’t said that I might have powered through the hill and been too tired to make my goal time.
Jenny
All your tips are great. I would say my most important one is to run the CORRECT PACE from the beginning of the race! I’ve had many races where I went out too fast- haven’t we all?- and paid for it later.
Chocolaterunsjudy
These are great tips, Debbie! While I definitely know whether it’s hilly or flat (and where the big hills are), I am definitely guilty of not actually studying the course. Rarely drive it, either.
Thank God I don’t have to worry about leading people. 🙂
Kimberly Hatting
Great, solid advice and tips. A notion that I have been mulling over, in recent months, is doing more half marathon-specific training instead of just running (most of ) them as training runs. There’s usually a full marathon on my calendar, so I tend to give that priority because it requires a lot more time and attention. I’d like to test the waters of 13.1 training a little more, though, and see if I do have any PR’s left in me….
Jenn
I am terrible at studying the course. I’ve only had one race where it failed me and I got turned around and ended up running a little extra. Whoops.
Shathiso
One of the things I struggle with is hydration but for the last 7 days I’ve had 2L of water every single day. I’m really committed to keeping this up and I know it will improve my running and overall health too! Thanks as always for your tips!
Laura
Great tips! Fueling is so important yet it is so easy to neglect. But it makes a difference!