Doing my very first “race” on Sunday so any Pom poms leftover … or wise words for me ?
Really not quite sure why I signed up for 10k instead of 5k which would have been much more manageable however, here I am a couple of days out and really apprehensive 😬
Done the training and reasonably confident I can jog the whole way but still - never experienced loads of others around me and now I’m getting a bit concerned.
Help … how do I stop having second thoughts ? I really want to enjoy this experience but …
🏃♀️🏃🏻♂️🏃♀️
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61Lady
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In my experience, Race for Life is a lovely event, with runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, sizes .... The atmosphere will be friendly, inclusive and kind. There's no chip timing and little or no competitivity - RFL events have a real 'group feel'. RFL was the very first event I ever did and I would recommend it to anyone (well, any female that is!).
Second, if you haven't already, take a look at all the good wishes you have received in this week's pompom posthealthunlocked.com/marathon... . There will be masses of pompom waving and cheering for you; remember we're with you from start to finish and we look forward to reading what a great time you had.
You've got this. The hard work is already done, all that is left is to enjoy the atmosphere on the day. Once you cross the start line all those nerves will disappear; it will be just another run, but with an added sprinkle of race magic. Keep visualising that finish line and the sense of achievement as you put the medal around your neck 🥇🥰
Thank you for your kind words. I feel a bit daft getting worked up about this at my age. My bib does actually have a chip so maybe this is something they have only just introduced but no matter - my aim is to do less than 90 mins. I’m not really sure how realistic this is in “race conditions” on what is forecast to be a warm day.
I like the sound of the sprinkle of magic though and can visualise everyone already preparing their pom-poms for me.
Nothing daft about pre race nerves, it's perfectly normal. I guess it's six yer,as since I did my RFL so I should have checked about chip timing before saying that 🙈 I have to say that's me off to look at one of our local RFLs now! It had such a unique atmosphere that I loved, but I've not done one since because I do like a chip time. Race magic is truly awesome - just make sure it doesn't leave you running too fast at the start, save the speed for the finish line. Don't start too far forward with any speedsters 😊
We all get a bit nervous @61lady but it leaves us as soon as we cross that start line . I find having a list of everything you need helps so you don’t leave anything behind. Put everything out the night before to save faffing. Leave time for loo queues before the race.
If there are starts in waves, be in the right place at the right time. If not, I usually look around me to work out where to start (I know I’m not one of the young gazelles). Stick to your own pace to begin with, as it’s easy to get dragged along. Enjoy the camaraderie; runners are lovely.
Thanks for the preparation tips especially the loo one. Excuse the pun but I fell foul of this issue a week or so ago so my main concern now strangely is trying to make sure I go before I go (if you know what I mean)
I used “Runna” as my training program which I’ve been really impressed with - there will be voice cues reminding me if I start to go faster than I can sustain so hopefully will be able to stick at my pace and perhaps have a little something left for a final push to the finish line
Simply enjoy... it is a wonderfully friendly and atmospheric run..it is a happy day and loads of smiles... Slow, steady, walk a bit if you need to, ... there will be loads of walkers usually
Race for life is not competitive and folk dress up too ! Lots of laughter and you will certainly have us all cheering for you as you go and as you cross that finish line.. If it is warm where you are, it may be worth taking a small amount of water!
I hope it’s as friendly and joyful as everyone is telling me. Lovely to know you’ll be cheering and waving me on and yes - warm day is forecast so tip about water is good - don’t usually bother so could have been something I didn’t think of.
I don't usually up to 10K..but after a short humid run last week, I took a very small amount for my HU10 last Sunday...I was glad of it. I don't drink it ..I wet my pulse spots on my wrists and dampen the back of my neck..it works wonders! X
Having runners around I've found to be helpful. Having run so many times alone and only entering races the last year or two, I felt nervous too. I've found it makes the run go quicker with sights and sounds that carry you through. Crowds inject excitement too. Do your own thing, find a pace and settle in. Once you see the finish you'll have something left to give and then look back on your adventure. That's what these are...all adventures. Enjoy it because it's a brilliant thing for you to be able to do. You don't have to do it...you get to do it 👏👏👏👏
Hi 61Lady, I mentioned you in the Pom Pom post below and people have responded….lots of people are right behind you and will be with you in spirit as you run. I know from experience that having that support is a powerful thing; like rocking up at the start to your run with a load of pals! There is no pressure to run fast on these occasions; lots of us focus on just completing the distance. If we need to walk some sections, it is just an integral part of these occasions. I like to start near the back of the field.
Just run tomorrow at your pace, walk when you need to and enjoy the day.; you are running for a great cause after all. We would love to hear how things went too. 🙂
RFL is lovely, I've done 2 and am looking forward to the next one in a few weeks. Nerves I can't help you with, I always get really nervous, can never figure out why - it's just a run isn't it? They will disappear though as soon as you get started. Have a lovely lovely day, and come back and tell us all about it.
Good luck 61Lady! Events are always a bit nerve wracking before but it goes away quickly. They’re a lot more fun if you try to soak in the atmosphere and smile . I find that my time is even better when I have this attitude. That being said I’m nervous about my race tomorrow. Writing this down is helping me. Happy Running! 🏃🏻♀️ 🙂
Lots of great advice already. As you say, you’ve done the training so you know you can do it. Nerves are normal and I always think they are added adrenaline to help on the day but as Linda says, once you cross the start line they’ll disappear.
When I feel nervous I tell myself, it’s just a run. I pretend I’m on my own and all these other people have just turned up to run with me!
I must say I get a real sense of camaraderie with the other runners when I’m waiting at start lines and sometimes get a bit emotional. We’re all in the same great club. After all, we’re all runners and that’s why we’re there.
Enjoy it all, lap up the great atmosphere and smile when you cross that finish line.
The second thoughts will run away as the race starts. And just think of all of us waving pom poms for you and cheering you home. All the really fast runners will disappear off quick, the rest will be a friendly encouraging group of people 😁
Hope it goes well 61Lady ! You’re sure to enjoy yourself, it’s a fabulous. I did the one in Bristol in 2019 and even though it wasn’t chip timed and it was a very warm day, I still look back on that medal with pride. ❤️
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