Shaking Off the Racing Rust

As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out and restrictions on public gatherings begin to loosen, the Summer and Fall race calendars are starting to populate again! For many runners it has been over a year since participating in a live, in-person running event, so there might be a bit of rust and apprehension about jumping back into the racing scene. Here are a few tips on getting race ready from Fairhaven Runners Staffer and Team RunRun coach Maxx Antush.

1. Sign up for a race.
   If you are feeling anxious about racing again because it has been a while since your last race, the best way to make sure that you get past the nerves and show up to the start line is to rip off the metaphorical band-aid and sign up for a race. Races are a celebration of running and you deserve to celebrate the return of in-person racing after an arduous 2020 and 2021.
2. Do a few harder workouts.
   When it has been a bit of time since my last race, I have found it to be super helpful to bust some of the racing rust by doing a few hard workouts so that my body is better prepared for the shock of race day. One of my personal favorites to do in the weeks leading up to my first race of the season is 2 minute fast intervals at about 5k race effort with a 1 minute recovery jog in between. I will usually do between 6 and 10 intervals, depending on how my body is feeling during the workout.
3. Buy new running shoes.
   Without having races on the schedule the past year to train for, many runners overlook getting their new pair of running shoes that they would normally get at the beginning of their training cycle. Having a relatively fresh pair of shoes to race in is a great way to get excited to toe the line and will make your body feel much better when you are asking it to perform incredible feats!
4. Get a new race day wardrobe.
   While it might seem a little bit shallow, looking good can make you feel good and be a huge confidence booster on race day.The Fairhaven Runners & Walkers apparel section has the best seasonal pieces to have you looking amazing on race day.
5. Invite your friends to run with you.
   We get a huge boost when we can do difficult things with our friends. For many of us, running and racing has a social component that has been lacking over the past year. Having a few friends to train for a common race goal with and complete your first in-person race in a while is a great way to celebrate running.

For local race schedules, check out the Fairhaven Runners & Walkers race calendar!