Good luck to everyone running at the Blackmores Running Festival

A few tips to keep you injury free….

- Warm up before the run. With the vast number of participants attending the event this year it may be a bit of a slow start. Make the most of that to gradually get your legs moving prior to really opening up and running fast. Jogging on the spot before the gun is a good way to get the blood pumping and your body ready to take off. Research has shown that ‘prepping’ your legs for movement can improve your ability to ‘hit the ground running’ (mind the pun) and get you off to a better start.
- Stretch. It’s important to be flexible! Research shows that it doesn’t matter when you stretch (before/after exercise), what’s most important is that you are flexible. So adding a stretching programme to your daily/training routine is important. Gentle static stretches in the days leading up to an event can help you feel less stiff and allow you to feel better for your run.
- Stay hydrated… Drink before during and after the race. Muscles need water to work and remember that feeling thirsty often means that you are already dehydrated! So drink small amounts regularly throughout the race.
- Listen to your body! There is a point where pain does not equal gain. If you are feeling faint, nauseous, dizzy or just quite unwell stop rest and decide whether you can go on… Its a fun run, not the 2000 olympics.
- Rest up in the week/days prior to the run. Fitness gains can’t be made this close to the run so take it easy, eat well and if you really need to run only do a few km’s at a very slow pace just to get the blood pumping. Aim to have your legs/body at 100% for the day rather than then having them be in recovery mode from your last minute training run.
- Finally, have fun! Everyone will be hurting as much as you so take strength from that and keep on going (so long as your body is physically able to do so). Wear your name on your shirt and get pepped up by the spectators that call your name. It sounds corny, but if you make the finish line you’re a winner in my eyes!!

GOOD LUCK!!

If you have any problems on the day come and see us in the Flexagil Tent in the recovery zone once you finish the race… We’ve got free massages to all who sign up as well, so drop on by whether you’re walking, limping, laughing or crying, there’s something for all… Roll in!!