RunDNA Team: Our Tips For Your First Event
Entered an event for the first time?
If you’re gearing up for your first running event this year, you’re in for an exciting time. Whether it’s a 5km all the way to the marathon, there's no doubt you'll feel some nervous energy and anxiety around the event. To help you toe the start line with confidence, we’ve gathered some of our RunDNA team to share their number one tip for first-time racers. From preparation pre race to tips on the race day, let’s dive in!
Plan ahead!
Shaun
Give yourself more time to get ready than you think! I've found for a smaller event, arriving 45 - 60 minutes before the event is ideal. This gives me time to collect my bib, go for a warm up jog and chat to any familiar faces before start time.
In a bigger event, I'll allow more time, typically 60 - 90 minutes before the start time. The toilet lines and bib collection takes longer and you'll probably like more time to allow your nerves to settle. Everything just takes a little longer than you think and before your first big event the last thing you want to be doing is rushing around!
Lindsay
I would suggest planning everything that you can in advance - don't let yourself stress out about things that are completely in your control. For me, this means getting my race day kit, gels or anything I need for the event organised the night before so it's not a rush the morning of. I also like to keep the food I eat the night before the event something familiar or something I've that I've tried during my training block.
Rhys
I think it can be useful to have a set target time in mind for the first 10% of the race. For example, if it was a 10km race and your aim is to run under 60 minutes, you would try to be at the 1km mark as close to 6 minutes as you can. It's really easy to get swept up in the adrenaline and excitement of the race and run too fast early on. I'd also suggest it's better to be slightly over your target for the first part of your race than way under. A pacing strategy can help you finish the race strong and make your first event experience a positive one.
Training tips
Nathan
My advice to runners taking on their first event would be to begin your training preparation early. Give yourself a generous time period to build your training gradually, I'd suggest at least 8 weeks before the event. That way, your body is going to have a better opportunity to absorb and adapt to the training and it wont feel like such a shock to the system on the day.
I think if you put time into training, you're also more likely to have a positive experience on the day. This will hopefully snowball into continuing your running journey towards either another event or establishing new running goals.
Georgia
To assist you with staying motivated and accountable in the lead up to your first running event; following a training plan specific to your event distance and goal or seeking advice from a running coach is a great idea. I found this super useful for my first event. This will also hopefully reduce the risk of picking up an injury throughout your training block so you can make it to the start line!
Adele
My advice is to have a structured training program in the lead up, but be open and flexible to modifying it if life gets busy! Just make sure you prioritise your longer runs as they are the runs that really help you feel prepared on the day.
Expectations and mindset
Seb
For your first running event, focus on enjoying the experience and taking it all in. Run at a pace that feels right for you, and don’t get caught up on how others are doing, they’ve likely been at it longer. Think of your first event as a starting point, not a performance to measure yourself against everyone else. There will be plenty of other races to improve and learn from, so keep it simple, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the moment of crossing the finish line.
Josh
Stay flexible during your first race—things might not go as planned and that’s completely fine. Whether it’s running a bit slower than expected or facing an unexpected challenge, treat it as part of the experience. Keep a clear head, focus on doing your best in the moment and remember that simply finishing is something to be proud of.
Finding what works for you
We hope these tips help you tackle your first event. It's important to remember that as you gain more experience preparing for running events, you'll begin to learn what things work for you to get the best out of yourself on the day. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the experience for what it is!
About the author
Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd
I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.
My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.
