Running Question

SmartFunGorgeous
SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
If I don't get a chance to actually go on a course and see it before a race, does anyone have advice about how to deal with the "not knowing" where I am (race-wise)? I have my gps, but it's a pain to try to run and look at it and not trip or get ran over... It just throws me off, mentally, not having a clue how far I've come or how much farther I have to go. Even with the race posting mile markers, it's still mentally.. weird. Any advice or suggestions?

Replies

  • luvmycandies
    luvmycandies Posts: 489 Member
    I did many 5 k runs in NY. I always relied on the mile markers, about every .25 mile there is usually one. That helped me pace myself.
  • BodybyPlants
    BodybyPlants Posts: 76 Member
    I would say just glance at your gps and see how many miles you have gone, or look for your mile markers. I never see any courses before I run them and never have too much trouble.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    Are you allowed to wear headphones? My Runkeeper app speaks to me every five minutes and tells me how long I have run, how far and average pace.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Do you have access to the course map? I generally will go online and view it on mapmyrun.com or map it out myself on there if not already done. It will give you elevations and some general idea of where and what to expect. There are times when you can even view at street level what's around .

    I giggled in my last race - someone asked about driving the course it was over a dam, closed by 9/11 and in closed roads and part trails. The people giving out packets told them to drive it - it was local and I was familiar with the area - really wanted to tell them no to bother but decided they would it out on their own.
  • SmartFunGorgeous
    SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
    I've only ran three, but the first two I did drive over them and it helped tremendously, having that mental knowledge of where I was. That VISUAL knowledge.

    But this last race should have been my best, and since it was in my home town, I thought, ah, I know it (from looking at the course map) and so it will be fine. And I went way too fast, and I never was able to hold a steady pace. I KNOW I should have driven it first (or ran it earlier in the week, or ridden my bicycle over it), but I didn't, and I just wondered about how others deal with that, since I know there will be races in the future where I won't be able to see the course first.

    Perhaps once I've run more, I will have better head knowledge on how I'm doing/where I'm at/how to pace myself.

    Thanks!
  • judgementbh
    judgementbh Posts: 7 Member
    When I was in high school and college we would show up to the course early just to walk it or a majority of it. It helps you know where hills are, visual markers, ect. Count the walking as your warm up for the actual event. If that is too strenuous then you could walk or jog it the day before as a light workout prior to the race. Another option you could use to look at the course is USATF America's Running Routes. The site is really easy to use.
  • 1420
    1420 Posts: 9
    Try checking out the course on Google Earth so you know exactly where your half way point is.
  • andreabball
    andreabball Posts: 90 Member
    I use the myrunkeeper app for iphone and have it set to tell me how far I am at each mile and every five minutes. This helps me tremendously! Hope you find something that works for you!
  • SmartFunGorgeous
    SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
    I appreciate all the advice. I will definitely check out the iphone app. Love new running apps! =)
  • joannaengel
    joannaengel Posts: 22
    Not sure what GPS you have, but I've got a Garmin Forerunner 405 and it lets you set a pace you'd like to stick to. It's nice because if you're behind pace, the screen flashes black, but if you're on pace or ahead it's normal. Just keep an eye on your pace and make sure you're not starting off too fast. It's pretty easy as a quick glance will tell you where you are in your pace.
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