Happy & Healthy
TIPS FOR WHEN YOU PLAN ON RUNNING A (HALF) MARATHON
You should see the state I am in. I’m currently spending my days walking through life like a waddling duck. Going up stairs takes at least an hour and is pure torture and running to catch the Thalys back home must have been a hilarious sight to see, let alone the pain I was in doing so. I’m a wuss and not because I ran Paris‘ half marathon last weekend, no, that I find pretty cool, but because I hadn’t prepared well enough. I should have trained more, stretch before and after, get a massage, take a hot bath, those kinds of things. No see, what I did, I headed straight to a terrace for a well deserved glass of Chablis and an omelet du fromage. Bitting the bullet is what I am doing now. And I know exactly what I should have done, so here are some tips if you have plans to run a race sometime soon. This is what you need and what you can expect:
1
Planning on running a race in a different city? Book a comfortable hotel. One with a bad and a ultra comfortable bed. Might cost you a bit more than what you usually spend but you really do deserve a good nights rest (essential even) before and after your race.
2
Make sure you bought something to eat or you know a place where you’re going to go and eat. Don’t go searching for something in the morning. Make sure you eat something you’re used to eating before a long distance run. Don’t suddenly opt for oatmeal if you never eat oatmeal, that can go horribly wrong.
3
Make sure you’ve got warm clothing on before you head to the starting line. In other words: wear something on top of your running gear. Ask someone to going you and give them your clothes or store it in a locker before you start. Starting off cold is disastrous for your muscles.
4
When you’re in the starting block, it’ll take a while before you can actually start. You always spot people wearing thin jackets or things that look like trash bags which they can take off and dump as soon as they start.
5
People you know to cheer you on. This is one of the best boosts you can get.
6
During a long run, it’s essential you have something to eat for ‘on the road.’ Usually organizers will hand out bananas, pine apples, dried fruit or sugar to energize you, but bring something along that you usually eat when you’re training. A sports gel for example for an extra shot of sugar and energy.
7
Your phone should be fully charged.
8
Make a playlist at home that has plenty of music for the length of your run. Music will help make or break a race. When I hit the 17K mark, I was exhausted and ready to quit. Until R. Kelly’s ‘The World’s Greatest’ came on and pulled me through the last few kilometers.
9
Drink drink drink. Drink before you’re even thirsty, or else its too late. Don’t ever skip any of the water posts, even if it’s just for a small sip.
10
The best way to end your race is to have someone waiting for you at the finish line to give you a warm sweater, a glass of champagne and a big gigantic hug.
11
Book a massage for right after the run. This is going to be your savior.
