If, like myself, you increased your running mileage over Lockdown, you are probably raring to get back to running events! Whilst I’ve loved being able to run more due to the extra time Lockdown gave me, I’ve missed the challenge and community of running in a race. The great news is that running events are back up and running again here in the UK, and there are loads of options.
Having worked out how to safely hold organised running events, RunThrough UK have plenty of races happening including one which I am taking part in, the Richmond Park Half! The return of running events post-Lockdown is exciting, but before you sign up to all the races, there are a few things we can do to make sure we are racing safely.
Choose Your Running Events
I personally train better when I have a clear goal with a deadline. During lockdown, I signed up to virtual events like the Battlemiles Ultra and David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge to keep me motivated to train. Now, I can’t wait to get back out there and compete in running events.
Check out the running events happening near you and sign up, then set the dates in your calendar.
If you’re feeling a bit rusty, or nervous about your return to running events, having that clear deadline will help motivate you to lace up and get some miles in before the big race day.
Assess Your Running Kit
Trainers have a certain mileage you can run in them before you’ll need to buy a new pair. The mileage depends on the shoe, your running style, weight and the running surface, but a good rule of thumb is to replace your trainers every 300-500 miles.
If you’ve increased your running during lockdown, you might need to replace your trainers sooner than you thought. Check your running stats to calculate if you’ll need a new pair of trainers before you sign up to running events.
Go Easy On Yourself
I’ve done a lot of running around my local area during Lockdown, but that doesn’t quite compare to taking part in running events. From having to wait at traffic lights when pounding the pavements, or having to go off-course when getting chased by a dog in my local park (true story). It’s been a while since I’ve been able to run an uninterrupted course like in running events. It can be tempting to go all out and aim for a PB on your first race back, but take it easy.
Not only is it a completely different feeling running in a race compared to running on your own, but it might feel strange being in a crowd for the first time in months. So go easy, pace yourself and pay attention to how you’re feeling, physically and mentally.
Forget the Distance/Speed
For your first few races back, I think it’s fair to say we’ll all be a bit rusty when it comes to running events. I can’t remember the last time I had to think about bag drops, or where to pin my race number?! Instead of setting a hefty distance or speed goal, focus on soaking up the joy of running with others again.
Personally, I’ve missed waking up early and running with a bunch of strangers. The running community is strong and one I love being part of. That’s why I can’t wait for the RunThrough Richmond Park Half!
Don’t Forget Nutrition
If you’ve stuck to running short, local distances during Lockdown, it might have been a while since you’ve had to “carb up” pre-race, or take a gel or two during a run. Before signing up to the longer distance running events, practice running longer distances closer to home and eating during a run to prepare your stomach. No one wants the fear of needing the toilet in the middle of a race far from home.
Enjoy the Running Events!
Savour every moment of your first race back. The buzz at start line (albeit in waves now), the helpful marshals, the competition of wanting to catch up to the person in front, the distance and the medal reward of completing the race. My medal rack is not as full as I wanted it to be after 2020 so I’ve got some catching up to do!
Whatever it is that you enjoy and miss the most about running events, make sure to make the most of it on your return. I wish you all a year full of running events, running community and many, many medals!
Leave me a comment to let me know what races you’ll be doing – I might see you there!
ostap says
Useful tips, just some of them used when returning to running.