Taking on your first 10k on Monday at the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon? Read on for some top tips from our team to help you enjoy the biggest, all women’s event of its kind in the world.
1. Eat a good breakfast on Monday morning, especially if travelling from outside of Dublin.
2. Bring some snacks and water with you so you don’t get hungry or thirsty before the start.
3. Leave plenty of time to arrive to your corral/ race pen, drop your bags and queue for the portaloo, bringing some tissue paper is always a bonus in case they run out.
4. Don’t do anything on race day you haven’t tried or used before, don’t wear new runners, eat any new foods or try new drinks.
5. Be sure to wear sunscreen especially if it’s a warm day, you don’t want to end up with tan lines from your top and shorts, never mind the health implications of getting burnt.
6. With so many people at the start line it may be hard to get into a running stride once the gun goes. Take your time, move around, get some clear space in front of you without pushing too hard, any time you lose at the start can be made up in the final kick to the finish line.
7. Make sure you take on fluids at the aid stations, walk if you have to, especially if it’s a warm day, no point in having the water go down your top and not into your mouth.
8. Soak up the atmosphere, chat to people at the start and the finish line it’s a fabulous day out!
9. Be sure to stretch, hydrate and recover after the event, whether you raced, ran, jogged or walked the distance.
10. Smile for the cameras on the course and at the finishline, but most of all have fun!
Remember: If the going gets tough, you get to do this you don’t have to do this! #BeAwesome
