Racing Strategy 101 - Running

 As I write this on the eve of the SudburyRocks Race - Run - Walk event to be held on May 12th,  I can only imagine the excitement most will feel as the races start.  That excitement can lead to almost immediate problems.

You will start too fast and cook yourself before you realize your error and slow down. I have run many races in my life and I confess that I am not a fast runner. For a 5 km race, my pace should be around 4:30 min/ km. At the start of a race, I frequently would run at 4:00 min/km or even faster. This has ruined many a race for me as I spend most of the rest of the race trying to recover, catch my breath and hang on to a pace that I no longer can maintain.

At your next race, I invite you all to start slower than your expected race pace and build as you get closer to the finish line. Let all the starters blow past you. I can guarantee that as you run and build, you will likely pass most of them as they struggle to maintain their pace. You will look quite comfortable as you pass them as they suffer.  This allows you to finish with confidence and with good form. You will look like a runner as you cross the line, hopefully on your way to a personal best.

I'll be running the 10 k on Sunday. Come and say hi if you know who I am.

Good luck to all.

P.S. If you could use some pointers or a coach, feel free to contact me.