Training pitfalls/hints leading up to up to the Indianapolis Mini Marathon
*Follow your training program-you are all here, so you are following one! Don’t overdo it, or try to play catch up. A missed workout is just that, a missed workout. Don’t beat yourself up over, sometimes we need a break. Don’t give up when life gets hectic or a minor setback. Even if it turns into a bad week, there is always the next.
*Trial your race day clothes, everything down to your socks! If something doesn’t seem right, adjust.
*Train with the fuel you plan to eat. There will be water and Gatorade on the course, Cliff shots at mile 10. Trial Cliff brand before-Kroger, Runners Forum both carry them. Make sure they work with your stomach. Bring your own, don’t depend on them still being there at mile 10.
*Practice your race pace, if you have a goal in mind. I personally will do 6X400’s the week of the race, every other race pace to feel my speed.
*Hydrate! ½ body weight, ounces of water per a day. No matter if its race or training day, use this practice. Be very conscious of your water intake the week of the race.
*Take your rest day. Rest means no pounding on your feet! A rest day is an easy way to prevent injuries.
*Train in a variety of weather; you never know race day conditions.
*Practice eating and running on your race day breakfast.
*Lay your race day outfit out days before the race with a note for anything needed for race day. Walking past the layout several times a day before the race will help you think about if you missed anything!
*Make sure you are getting extra rest several nights leading up to race. Race day jitters can make the night before sleep challenging.
Race day!
* Don’t try anything new!
*Trust your training. There is nothing you can do about training on race day, stay mentally tough.
*Know the course, drive it before if needed. There is a great map on www.indymini.com I would recommend downloading. Also have your parking figured out prior to the day of, (keeping the road closures in mind). If you are person who needs that last minute bathroom break, also be aware of where those are located. Those lines will get long, so make sure you leave plenty of time to get there!
*Dressing for race day…early May seems to heat up pretty quick. Personally, I dress for 15 degrees warmer. So if its forecasted 50, I dress for 65 degrees. Also bring a “throw away” shirt to put over your race shirt. It will keep you warm while you are standing around waiting to start. Also beware of the first mile: those throw away shirts to be thrown at your feet or face!
*Headphones, technically not allowed. They will just make you take them off at the track. There is SO much entertainment and encouragement, personally I think it would be a disappointment to miss!
*Post race: Military Park is beyond crowded-have a meet up plan established with friends and families. Also don’t forget to bring a change of clothes. If it’s a cold day, your sweat soaked clothes will start to turn cold after you stop moving. A towel, and a change of shoes, sandals if your feet swell, area also good to bring.
*Have fun, enjoy the experience! If things get tough, make a game out of it (catch a person, predict your time to a landmark).
*if applicable, ring the PR bell at Military Park!
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