Thursday, May 29, 2014

How To Run Your Best Race



We all want to run our best race each time we toe the line.  Here are some great tips to make that PR happen! 

1.  Know the course.  Look at the course map ahead of time. This way you will:
 -Know where the water stops are.  Some will only serve water and some will serve both water and a hydration drink.
-Know where the porta-pottys will be along route.  This way you won't get caught guessing how much further when that urge hits.


2.  Know what will be served along course.  This way you can train using that fuel and hydration drink to make sure your body can handle it.  The other option of course is to carry your own fuel.  Many races hand out Gu and Gatorade along the course and I know it doesn't work for me. 

3.  Plan what will wear on race day at least a week ahead.  Go for a run in that outfit to make sure it works....that nothing will chafe or irritate you while running.

4.  Have a throw away warm up layer.  This will keep you warm while you get to the start in the cooler morning hours.  I also warm up after the first mile but then hate carrying a long sleeve or sweatshirt the rest of the race.  So I buy kids large sweatshirts at the Goodwill for $1 and then toss them alongside the course when I am ready.  I know that Sue from This Momma Runs for Cupcakes had the great idea of buying a Goodwill bathrobe and wearing that to the start.  That's a great idea to stay warm!  A runner I met at Marine Corps Marathon always wears a shrug sweater and my cousin has a pearl izumi one that she doesn't toss.  So much easier than arm sleeves.  All so smart! 


5.  Check the weather forecast and lay your outfit out the night before.  Many races are EARLY.  You don't want the stress of scrambling to find that your favorite pair of shorts are in the dirty laundry pile!  (I speak from experience!)


6.  Get to the start line early.  This gives you enough time to make one last bathroom stop and find and place yourself in the appropriate corral as well as find the pacer if you plan on following one. 


Any tips you would add?

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Zooma Annapolis!




I am still aiming for sub 1:45 in the half marathon, and I am hoping Zooma Annapolis will be it!  It's hillier than DC and will be warmer, but I am going to try and run smarter and make it happen!
 

Winter training got you down?  Think warm bay breezes in Annapolis in May! 

 
Zooma's website says this about the race:
Let patriotic pride fuel you on this tour of one of America’s great seaside towns.  Starting at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, it’s hard to not feel your heart swell listening to the National Anthem in the excitement-filled moments before the race starts.  Out on the course, runners loop around the lovely, brick Maryland State House before running past the Naval Academy.  Once across the challenging, but beautiful, Naval Academy Bridge, racers enjoy an out-and-back section that allows plenty of racer-to-racer cheers and support, as well as views of Round Bay, an inlet off of the Chesapeake Bay.
After the race, its time to celebrate in the end zone of Navy Stadium at the After-Party Expo with wine, live music, shopping, recovery yoga, and lots of fit girls’ weekend celebration.
Race Cap: 4,000
Average Race Day Temperatures:
High 81°F
Low 59°F

ZOOMA ANNAPOLIS PERKS:

  • Entry into a scenic, professionally-managed, and timed half marathon or 10K race
  • Access to full fit girls weekend schedule – a Fitness Expo, an Honest Tea Mocktail Party, and an After-Party Expo featuring wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, post-race massages, shopping, and music
  • ZOOMA Signature Swag Bag (over $50 value)
  • Water and Sports drink stationed along the course and at the finish line
  • Wine and Bubbly and food at the finish line
  • Half Marathon Finisher’s medal (pictured below) + 10K finisher’s medal
  • Access to special room rates at the official race hotel, the Loews Annapolis Hotel
Last year they had some great post-and pre-race deals around town, so make sure you bring your bib with you to get some good deals around town!  Pusser's is my personal favorite and make sure you sit outside :-). 

The above information can be found at http://zoomarun.com/annapolis/
 
For after race brunch I am headed to the BoatYard.  http://www.boatyardbarandgrill.com/  It was actually difficult to find a post race brunch because most places are Sunday brunch only and this is a Saturday race. 
 
Use code COLLEEN15 for 10% off and come join me!  :-)


Zooma Runs Mother's Day Contest. Please Vote Daily!

My husband nominated me for a Mothers Day contest put on by Zooma Race Series.  I'd love to win. If I win 1st I get a post race spa day for me and a friend.  I'd take my mom!

I am running the Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon through beautiful Annapolis and a spa day after that, would be icing on the cake.  After grabbing my post race sparkling wine of course!  If you want to join me at the race use code ANNAMB12 for 10% off the half or the 10k option.
 
If I win 2nd or 3rd, I will win Zooma race entries to any of their fabulous locations to give away here on the blog to you!   So please vote daily through 5/23!

Vote here:
http://woobox.com/muvits/vote?web=1



Thank you so much for your support!