Mountain to Surf
Photo Copyright Lorne Surf Life Saving Club 2001

PRERACING TIPS It's your first race and the distance is long. What can you do to make this event a success? If you are a primary school child or a new runner, it's important to think of this event as a 'finish', not a race. Make your mantra, "Pace yourself." Pacing is of the utmost importance in making this a positive experience. Now what exactly do I mean by that? When you pace yourself you start running very slowly. You must practice this before the event. Run with a parent and make yourself run more slowly than your body wants to. Make sure you can carry on a conversation while you run. You can practice doing this while running laps around a track or down the road in your neighborhood. After you are warmed up, you can break into some sprints now and then, but always come back to the easy pace. AND if you are a very young runner, don't be afraid to intersperse walking with running. The distance is long, you have many years to think about 'winning', and you can enter shorter races where you can really test your speed. Adopt the attitude that winning is doing your best and having fun while you run, when you are doing a race of this distance. Also practice your 'race day' eating habits before the event. The formula is ... the closer to race time that you eat, the less protein, less fat, less calories, and more carbs you should eat. For some having a bowl of oatmeal and a banana, about 2 hours before the race will do. Then within the hour before a little 'pick me up' of a part of an energy bar, some raisins, a bit of a sports drink, plenty of water should do the trick, but practice before, so you know what works for you. Good luck, have fun, finish that event, but save your speedy racing for shorter distances or for when you are older. DRESSING FOR THE DAY It's time to get dressed up for your race. Make sure that you have plenty of 'running' play-clothes so that you have all that you need the day of the event, no matter the weather. If it's hot, then shorts and a tee will do. Polyester or a hi-tek wicking fabric for the clothes is better than cotton, but a cotton tee will still work, if need be, but don't compromise your feet. Make sure to invest in some wicking socks made of Coolmax or another type of hi-tek, blister preventive material. For the littlest ones, you may have to look long and hard to find these special socks, but they do exist. If you absolutely can't find the special sports socks, then buy a little body lube and coat your feet lightly before you put your socks on. As for your shoes, if you're comfortable with your 'playground' sneakers and they are in good condition and a good fit, then don't change them for this event, but if you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, then get them a few weeks in advance of the race and break them in. Don't let Mom or Dad buy them too big for you so that you can 'grow' into them, but also don't wear shoes that are too snug...they should be 'just right'. Make sure to have a comfy loose pair of mittens on hand in case the weather is cool. Mittens and a hat are essential for keeping the heat in. You can run in shorts, a tee, and a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt even if it's down to 40/50 degrees Fahrenheit. The trick is to wear light layers, so that if you start warming up you can tie the top layer around the waist, and stash the mittens and hat in a pocket. Resist wearing a heavy winter jacket no matter the weather. You just won't be comfortable running in one and explain to Mom and Dad that you get hot, very hot when running, so that you don't have to keep all your layers on the whole time. Oh, yes, wear something that you love: a special pin with a motto, a little face paint (perhaps a flower or rocket) on your face, or maybe a lucky charm, but take off your rings. You're running a long distance and your fingers may swell a little, so leave that special diamond at home. Most importantly, stay comfortable, have fun, and take a photo before and after the race to remember this special day. Good luck from Carol! P.S. If you want to do something really nice, send a photo to KR. We'd love to see you all geared up. KR, PO Box 209, Fiskdale, MA 01518, USA LINK The above articles were written for the Mountain to Surf Race which will be held in January in Victoria, Australia. For more on the race please visit lonesurfclub.com.au. From Samantha O'Brien: The Mountain to Surf event is an 8 kilometer run through the forest behind Lorne on Victoria's Surf Coast. The run attracts serious athletes and everyday runners. The juniors section is open to all under the age of 18. The race will be featured along side the Pier to Pub event that is held the next day. This is the world's largest and safest open water swim and attracts approximately 4000 entries. KidsRunning.Com is dedicated to making a better lifestyle for our kids. Email goodrow@infionline.net. We would love to hear from you! Email us with comments on the news.