The Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Race For Life 5k takes place on Glasgow Green this Sunday (May 22, 2016) and many runners will feel the nerves building as the 10am start approaches. I have come up with five tips for Race for Life runners.
Believe in yourself
Rather than worrying about the race, look back and think about how far you have come in your training and fitness. Many Race For Life runners will have followed a training programme from “couch to 5k” and even if you have only managed some of this training the chances are, on the day, you will find the energy and fitness to complete the race. If you believe you can you are far more likely to succeed.
Be prepared
Lay out all your running kit and the bits and piece you’ll need from your race pack the night before the race. Think through everything, from head to toes, and make sure you have all that you will need. Trying to get ready on the morning of the event will leave you more nervous and flustered.
Also plan how you will get to the race start and leave plenty of time to reach Glasgow Green.
Eat well
The night before the race make sure you have eaten a hearty meal. You could also have a small meal before you go to bed. It might be that on the morning of the race you are too nervous to eat much so you will be relying on what you have eaten the night before. Try not to overdo the alcohol because this could leave you dehydrated for the race. By all means, enjoy a small drink if it helps you to get to sleep but don’t head to the pub for a few drinks the night before.
Stay hydrated
Your body needs water for everyday life and when you are running it requires even more. Try to be properly hydrated throughout the day before and keep sipping on water on the morning of the race. You will no doubt need to find a toilet before the race start. Once you have used this try not to drink anything else because you will only feel as though you need to go again. A 5k race doesn’t demand too much in the way of water unless it’s very hot or you will be taking more than an hour so you should be fine to run the distance without drinking more.
Think about the charity
Race for life is more than the running and your fitness. It’s an event that raises millions of pounds for the charity CRUK. By taking part you are giving to a hugely worthwhile charity – and helping those who have been hit by cancer.
This year, CRUK supporter ScottishPower is aiming to pass their £10million target and is calling on runners to share their feelings and photos with the hashtag #high5for10.
ScottishPower launched a partnership with CRUK in 2012 to help beat cancer sooner. To date it has raised more than £9 million for the charity through a number of initiatives, including sponsorship of CRUK’s Race for Life.
ScottishPower wants to use the High 5 symbol of achievement in the fight against cancer. The campaign calls on the public to get involved by generating high fives on-line and off-line to show their support for cancer survivors, people living with cancer and those taking part in the Race for Life.
How you can get involved
You could share a photo of yourself or others doing a High 5 at Race for Life event (or anywhere else – you don’t have to be at an event!) on social media and using #high5for10. #high5for10 means High 5 for £10m target.
See Race For Life 5k Glasgow and other Race For Life events.