D.C. Lucchesi
Ah, race day. All those hours and miles logged in preparation for a new PR. Perhaps it’s a charitable cause that’s got you at the start line for the very first time. Or maybe you’re finally making good on that New Year’s resolution. No matter the reason, it all comes down to this day. The following few bits of time-tested advice and etiquette can make you look like a veteran – despite all those butterflies in your belly.
Choose wisely, Grasshopper
Most folks won’t chase a sausage biscuit with chocolate milk in the hours – or minutes – before the gun goes off, but the meal you choose the night before your event is just as important. For your first 5k or other shortish distance, there’s no reason to “carb up” the night before. Even a seasoned pro won’t likely experiment with aunt Betty’s new spicy chicken curry recipe on race day eve. Go with what you know, even if that means pizza night with the kids.
To pee or not to pee, that is the question
Whether it’s all that coffee you drank to “pump up” for an early start, the extra water you thought you needed, or just nerves, you’ll probably need to “go” before the start. Portable potties are easy to find at most any race. Just look for the crowd that’s facing the same direction. This is important, people: Don’t use the port-a-potty as a changing station; go back to your car if you have to. Bring a headlamp to see your way around inside there if your race starts before sunup. Tell your friends, family, entourage, or hangers-on to hold it until after the event starts.
Don’t be that guy (or girl)
The one wearing the event T, that is. Nothing says rookie like rocking the race shirt at the race. Chances are it’s cotton, y’all, and there’s no worse performance fabric in the world. Your race number will be proof enough to people along the course that you’re part of the event. Plus, some folks say it’s bad luck.
Race numbers go on your front
Another rookie move is pinning your race number to the back of your shirt. There’s no shame in asking someone to undo those unreachable pins so you can right this wrong before the start. It matters for more than style points. The numbers up front let race organizers know you’re part of the event, and in a mixed-distance event – like a half-marathon with a 5k option – it will help them keep you on the right course. Plus, your number will help photographers forward on that picture of you doing your Gene Simmons impersonation near mile 2.
It’s a water station, not a Starbucks
No need to linger here, just get your stuff and go to make room for the runners behind you. Speaking of which, be sure to look over your shoulder before darting from the far end of the lane to get to the water table. Better yet, begin merging in the direction of the water tables the moment they’re in sight. No abrupt stops here, either. And if you’ve passed the last trash can or bag before you’ve finished with your cup, keep it off the ground and find a way to get it to the next aid station or to the finish line.
Thank the volunteers
These folks aren’t getting paid and they’re most likely not your mom. They’ve sacrificed their Saturday morning to make sure you’re having the safest, most enjoyable time possible. Some of these folks are runners themselves, others may have a connection to the charitable cause associated with your event, a few more may be on work release. Regardless of their source, it takes a small army of volunteers to pull off even the most bare-bones of events. None of us is running fast enough or far enough to not be able to muster at least a few thank-yous along the way.
Don’t be this guy, either
There may be no weekday rush-hour traffic in your way, but don’t come rolling up to the race site 15 minutes before gun time expecting to find a front-row parking spot, or your personal valet with a place holder on your race number, packet and T-shirt. And don’t get annoyed at the race organizers because you feel the lines are too long for race-day packet pickup or for the port-a-potties in the waning minutes before the start. There’s a reason why race promoters are either charging a ransom for race-day registration or eliminating it all together. Plan ahead, arrive early, and be patient. Remember, most of the folks you’ll deal with this morning are volunteering their time.
Have a good time, even if you don’t have a good time
Set realistic goals for yourself. As Dr. George Sheehan wrote, “Of all the lessons sport teaches us about life, perhaps none is more dramatic than the danger of focusing on the outcome.” If your finish time is the only barometer, then you’re likely to finish disappointed. It might be warmer, colder, or wetter than you expected. A rough week at work or school might have left you tapped. The kids might have passed along that creeping crud just in time for your big race. Or sometimes it’s just not your day. Having a secondary goal, like overcoming today’s obstacles to finish strong, or passing that guy in the event T-shirt before the next turn, can help salvage your race regardless of the time on the clock. Take your focus off the finish time and find the joy in your effort.
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D.C. Lucchesi runs, rides and writes from Charlotte.When D.C. isn’t planning or participating in his own “next adventure,” the award-winning writer and former television producer can be found freelancing and waxing poetic on subjects ranging from health and endurance to schools and politics. When he’s not volunteering or coaching in some capacity with school-age kids, he still enjoys interacting with grown-ups. Find him at dclucchesi@gmail.com.
