You've reached the final week of Train for the Trails, MEC’s four-week program designed to help runners of all levels build the skills, knowledge and confidence to take their running to the trails.
In this last week we'll cover some of the basic considerations before you run your first race. No race in the books? You can still use this info to help you run your goal distance or prep before chasing that PB. Race day prep is about more than putting in the training.
Gear-wise, we'll focus on your tech. If you're racing in a remote area or over long distances where cell service is spotty at best, we recommend investing in a smartwatch specialized with running or trail running activities. This is key for keeping you on trail, on pace and in touch with loved ones during your run.
Salomon ambassador and MEC Member, Sarah Korpach, shares how she gets race-day ready:
Technology can be incredibly useful for training, but only if you know how to use it.
A GPS watch can help you track distance, elevation, heart rate and effort. But more importantly, it can help you understand your training and keep you from starting your race too fast.
Before race day, take some time to understand the features you'll actually use. You don't need to know every function on your watch.
For trail racing, consider setting up the following data on your screen:
- Distance and time
- Current pace
- Heart rate
- Elevation gain
- Navigation/route maps
- Battery-saving settings
- Alerts for nutrition or hydration
If your race provides a GPX course file, download it to your watch ahead of time and practice using the navigation feature.
And don't forget the simplest piece of technology: Your phone. Make sure it's charged, protected from the weather if necessary and ready for emergencies or communication.
Your race day prep checklist
Make sure you have all the info ahead of time. One week out you should know your route to the start line, the gear you'll be carrying with you, fuel you'll take on your run and/or have stocked for any aid stations along the way, just to name a few.
Here are some considerations to help you start your race day plan:
- When and where do you need to pick up your race day bib package?
- What's the forecast for race day? What clothing do you need to accommodate the weather?
- What's the route and travel time to the start line?
- What's your start time? What time do you plan to finish? Let a friend or family member in your crew know so they can keep track of where you should be on course.
- Do you have a clothing to change into after the race? Nothing beats fresh socks and a change of shoes after a hard effort.
Before race day
Charge it. Sync it. Test it. Don't learn how your watch works at the starting line.
Pro tip: Technology should give you confidence, not anxiety. If you spend more time staring at your watch than enjoying the trail, look up. You're running outside for a reason.
Beyond race day
Now that you have crossed the line, whether it was your first 5km or your 10th ultra, it’s never really the end. It's proof of consistent and unglamorous work: the early alarms, the runs in the rain, the gear you tested until it stopped chafing.
Training is the tough part, your race is when you get to celebrate how far you've come.
If there's one thing we want every runner to take from this program, it's this: Progress in trail running is rarely linear, and that's normal. Some weeks will feel easy. Others will feel like you're starting over. Both are part of the same process, and both are getting you stronger.
Whatever distance you're training for next, keep showing up. See you out on the trails. — Jeremy Rolle & Carol-Ann Rolle
