The RMEC is Ready to R-O-C-K!

This coming weekend many of you finally get to test out all of this training we have been doing. Racing is an important part of your training. It is a good way to see how you are progressing. It is also a reward for all of your hard work. So lets talk a minute about the race. For some of you, this is your first real race. For others this may be your first race of this size (RnR is a big event). And to some of you, this is old hat. Here is my advice. Anyone else feel free to add on.

• Relax - Without question you will get nervous and excited about the race. You will probably have a hard time falling asleep, and will have dreams about showing up at the race without your shoes (or even worse your shorts). You laugh now, but don't be surprised if you look at your alarm clock 50 times on Saturday night. That is all normal and we all do it!
• Prepare - Before you go to bed, have everything ready. Have your chip on your shoes. Have you number on your shirt. Have you body glide, your band aids, you socks, whatever you need in one place. This will help you sleep a little better (just a little).
• Eat and Drink - You want to start the race well hydrated, but don't drink so much you are floating. Ideally you should have light to clear urine before the race. If you can stop drinking 45 minutes before the start you will be in good shape, because you can empty most of your bladder and be okay for the race. Regarding food, stick with what works. If a bagel and peanut butter has worked so far,keep it going. Don't try anything new.
• Port-o-pots - It can take 20+ minutes to get to the front of the bathroom line. We all know what it is like before a long run, and our bodies are not always on the same time schedule we would like them to be on, so don't be surprised if you leave the port-o-pot, and get right back in line.
• Pre Race Meeting - The start is a madhouse. If our group wants to try to meet before the race, I recommend meeting at the first UPS truck. There will be about 50 of them lined up. If you are facing the back of the trucks go to the one on the far left. If people wear their RMEC shirts we will be easy to spot.
• Bag Check - You will be given a bag to check your extra gear at the expo. Your race number will have a piece to tear off with a hole in it. Take the zip ties (provided in your bag at the expo), and hook that little number to your bag once you cinch it tight. Be sure you have everything in the bag before cinching it! The UPS trucks will have signs on the back, so you know where to take your bag. Don't be late! The trucks need to leave early so they can drive to the finish before the roads are covered with runners.
• Race Hydration - Be sure to drink during the race. Accelarade will be given out on the course. This will replenish your electrolytes, carbs, and sodium. Those are key to having a good race. You don't need to pound gallons of fluids, but you also should not skip a stop if you can avoid it. This race is full of excited fans. They frequently will offer their own "perks" to runners. I would be careful of taking anything not offered at the official tables. When you do get to the official tables, you don't have to hit the first table. They are normally at least 40 feet long, so feel free to grab a cup at the end.
• Take It All In - This is a fun event. It has a great expo, a fun race course, lots of bands, and great spectators. True, this is a race, but have fun. Look around during the race. Say thank you to the volunteers. Clap for the bands. The more you give, the more you receive back. When you finish, have a beer, dip your foot in the ocean, and cheer for the other RMEC runners.

Now for some tips and words of caution to those training for a marathon.

• Learn from the race - How do I put my race number on? How do I hook this chip to my shoe? Why are the bathroom lines so long? What is a corral? These are all things you will need to figure out this coming Sunday. Remember, this race is just a step along the way to your goal. . . a MARATHON.
• Think about your pace - It will be very tempting to run this race "all out" and shoot for a new PR. If you do this, remember your body will need to recover after the race. You also increase your chance for injury anytime you run hard. I am not telling you to hold back if you are ready to race, but I want to again remind you the your goal is a MARATHON.
• Remember how you feel - Did I drink too much? Did I go out to fast and get tired? Did my stomach have problems from breakfast? Did I pick a bad pair of shorts to race in? Remember this is a race, but also still part of your training. What you learn in this race will better prepare you for your MARATHON.

Here is who I think is running. Let me know if I have missed anyone:

• Scott W
• Patti M
• Tracy H
• Mandy
• Steve C
• Tampa C
• Misty S
• Elaine W
• Anne W
• Michael F
• Derek C
• Tim S
• Jenni G

If you need to print out your confirmation card, they are now available on the Rock 'n' Roll website. They should be in your race packet as well. Feel free to post questions and advice here. Good luck!