Race Season is Here!

Race Season is Here!!

Race Season is Here!!!

Race Season is Here!!!!

Race Season is Here!!!!!

Anyone else this excited?

I just love Spring & the start of more frequent running races don’t you? I live in an area that (thankfully) has year~round races, but it’s always exciting in the Spring when there are more & more of them popping up all over the place. If you don’t remember, I made an ambitious goal in September to run one race a month for my entire 35th year. So far, so good. I’ve only missed 1 month (due to unforseen circumstances) & I haven’t done too many 5k (keeping that as my minimum distance)…. But now that Race Season has finally shown up…. well, it’s getting pretty exciting. The Race attendance numbers are getting HUGE, the distances are getting longer (1/2 & full Marathons, etc), the number of people lining the streets is growing too & I’m just happy the sun is out

With this in mind, I thought I would make a ‘to do’ list or ‘don’t forget’ list. I’m sure we can all relate to the night~before nerves & the morning~of gitters. I’m hoping this list will help reduce all the craziness that can come. I’ve been there when that sinking feeling hits you that you’ve forgotten your ear~buds…. I’d never want to forget my fuel… can you imagine getting to the finish line & your go~to recovery drink isn’t there? Yikes!

So here it is, my little Race Ready List (& yes, it’s a printable!!)

get ready the night before:

• Breakfast

• Race bag with:

  • fuel gels or bars

  • Cell Phone & Music device & ear buds

  • hydration belt, water bottle

  • Race Bib, Safety pins & Timing Chip

  • Sunscreen & Anti~Chafing Gels

  • Hair ties, Sweat Bands, etc

  • sunglasses, hat or visor

  • watch, GPS, etc

  • after run needs *see below

  • Cash & or Credit Cards

  • I.D. & Emergency Contact info

  • Race Instructions & Directions

• Meet up Spot

race day necessities:

• running shoes

• moisture wick socks

• favourite shorts, spandex, running skirt

• lucky running top & sports bra

• warm~up layer or arm warmers & gloves

after run needs (keep in Race Bag):

• post run food & recovery drink

• clean shoes or flip~flops

• first aid kit with ice pack or muscle creams, Traumeel, etc

• keep warm jacket & pants

• towel or blanket

So, what do you think of the Race Ready list? Is it going to help you be more prepared & less anxious?

Just in case you are curious (& I know you are), here is a recap of the Races that I’ve completed since my goal setting happened in September (with times). I’m still hoping to finish a 10K in under 50 min & am trying my damnedest to finish at least one of my 1/2 Marathons in under 2 hours, if even 1 hour 59min & 59 seconds (my very first 1/2 marathon last year was done in 2:15)

September: McNeil 5K LiteSpeed (26:19)

October: Good Life Fitness 8K (44:40) & MEC 10K (54:35)

*photo* goodlife 8k with my 9 year old!

November: Bear Mountain Hardest 10K in Canada (1:03:30)

*photo* my cheer~squad waiting for me at the finish line

December: Cinnamon Bun Fun Run 5K (26:42) & Run Thru Time 5K (28:36)

*photo* my 9 year old crossing the finish line of the Cinnamon Bun Fun Run

January: Cobble Hill 10K *missed*

February: Hatley Castle 8K (44:28)

March: Save our Seals 5K (no time, fun run)

April: MEC 10K (53:41) & TC10K (54:28)

*photo* getting our route & stuff ready for our latest run together *TC10k was with my 9 year old as well!

UpComing Races:

May: OakBay 1/2 Marathon

June: Goddess 10K & ScotiaBank 1/2 Marathon

No other Races Booked, but I’m excited to get them on the books!
What do you have going on for Running? Will this Race Ready list help you out? What would you add to the list, what do you need on Race Day? What’s your lucky charm?