HMBIM - Race Day Tips
Sep 16, 2012
Race day is officially 1 week away and what a wonderful HMBIM running season it’s been. I want to thank each runner that has been a part of the HMBIM Course Tours, read the Training Blog, or has sent me emails about training. Opening your experience to fellow HMBIM runners, the Coastside Running Club, and myself forges a bond that strengthens us all. It’s a goal of the HMBIM staff to provide a stage for each and every runner to be great, to write their own race day story of success and accomplishment across the backdrop of a beautiful location with spectacular volunteers.
On race day open yourself to be inspired by the community supporting you, the runners around you, the coastal views before you, the spectators cheering for you, and most importantly YOU - be amazed at what you can accomplish when given the opportunity. On race day YOU are an inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your moment with us at the HMBIM!
I’ve pulled together a few race day tips to help everyone during their big day:
Start / Finish:
The coastside can be a little chilly in the morning (just ask the local fishermen). Dress warmly, then take advantage of the pre-race drop bag area at the start / finish. This will allow you to stay in those warm clothes then stash them for pick-up after your race is complete. Use the tag given to you at check-in to attach your race number to the bag.
Also, in addition to the portable toilets that will be placed at the start/finish area there’s a “hidden” harbor restroom that can be used. Look for a light green building with port-hole windows near the harbor pier.
Pacing:
For those running the marathon, pace slow during the first 9 miles. This section contains a majority of the race’s elevation gain. You’ll have the energy to run well here but you MUST resist the temptation - sit back and enjoy the coastal bluffs and seaward views. At mile 18 you’ll be glad you did.
Hydration:
Through your training you should have established a good baseline of your body’s hydration needs. I recommend using the on-course sports drink Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink rather than plain water because it hydrates and provides essential replacement of electrolytes lost through sweat. This becomes more important the more you sweat. If it’s a glorious foggy, but chilly, day you may be lulled into a sense of not needing to drink. Be careful of this. On many of this year’s Course Tour runs I’ve fallen into this “trap” only to recognize signs of dehydration 1-2 hours into a run, especially as the morning fog burns off.
Usage of the Multi-Purpose Coastal Trail:
A large portion of the race utilizes Half Moon Bay’s open access coastal trail. There’s some common usage etiquette that’ll be beneficial for all runners to use on race day.
1) Stay to your right unless passing.
2) When passing, take a glance over your left shoulder (to make sure you’re not stepping into someone else’s path) then say “On your left!”
3) Bicycles using the path should alert you when passing from behind. Sometimes they don’t - be aware of your surroundings.
4) If you run with music it’s best to leave one ear bud out, again, to be aware of your surroundings.
Enjoy Yourselves:
You’re out here to have fun. Remind yourself of that when the going gets challenging. Be sure to thank the hundreds of volunteers that make this event possible along the way. Without them this event could not be possible. Sometimes all it takes is a smile!
We cannot wait to host everyone this coming Sunday!
Take care and enjoy the pre-race festivities like the Saturday Pasta Feed, the Featured Athelete Talks and warm up run with Dean Karnazes and Yolanda Holder, then the HMBIM After Party. I’ll see everyone soon!
Enjoy THE run,
Franz.
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