As always, thanks for registering if you have already done so. If you haven’t yet, you will find the registration information at the end of the newsletter. The deadline to sign up for VIP race packet delivery (Packet Delivered to your desk) has now passed. Those that signed up by the deadline (MAY 15th) should have their packets or they will be coming in the inter-office mail.
We are scheduled for a Team Picture at 7:10 a.m. the morning of the Bellin. That may seem early with a 8:00 start, but with nearly 20,000 people you will want to get there early anyways. Please try and make the photo. You can see last year’s division winning team photo on our website and proudly hanging in the trophy case in the General Building. Details of this and more information for race day will be coming in the next couple weeks.
Race Day Tips
With race day quickly approaching, here are some race day tips and etiquette to keep in mind to have an enjoyable morning.
1. Arrive early. This goes for any race, but since the Bellin 10K is one of the largest 10Ks in the country; parking will be at a premium and you don’t want to be late. And since you all will be showing up for the picture at 7:10, this should not be a problem. J
2. Don’t go out to fast. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and start the first mile or two faster than you intended. If you are not paying attention, by the time that you realize it, it may be too late and you could possible suffer the consequences in the last few miles. A better strategy is to run a negative split, which is running each mile slightly faster than the last to hit your goal.
3. Don’t wear anything new on race day. The day of the race is not the day to break out a new pair of shoes or new running clothes. Shoes really need a few weeks to get broken in and you should always try and do a practice run in your race day attire. Sometimes there is a seam in a shirt that over a period of time can rub you the wrong way and cause problems. You won’t know that if you don’t try it out first. Although the Bellin Shirts are great, you probably don't want to wear it during the race. Some people are superstitious about wearing the race t-shirt race day, so think of it more of as a badge of honor for finishing what you set out to do and wear it proudly after.
4. Don’t eat anything new race morning that you haven’t before. Again race day is not the day to try something new. That is what training is for, and that includes learning what you need to do nutrition wise.
5. If you are running with a group of people, that’s great, just don’t take up the whole road. Thankfully the Bellin is on fairly wide streets, especially in the first 2 miles so largely this isn’t a problem, but with a crowd that size (Could approach 20,000) be considerate when you are passing people and of those people will be passing you.
6. Somewhat related to #5, if you are listening to music, be sure that it isn’t too loud so that you can hear people around you. One of the great things about the Bellin Run is the crowd support so if there is any race you want to try without ear buds, this is the one. Runners are sociable people and most like a little conversation during the run. Hearing someone else’s voice also helps drown out the voice in your head telling you to stop!
7. Never start walking if you are running in the middle of the road; that is a good way to get plowed over by someone behind you. There is no shame in having to walk, just make sure you move to the side or an area that won’t cause any problems to you or those around you.
8. At water stops, PLEASE do not come to a dead stop to grab a drink of water. Like the situation in #7, this can cause some serious issues for you or those behind you. If you need to stop, grab your water, keep going and find a safe place to stop.
9. A thank you goes a long way to the people at the water stops or any other volunteers that you encounter during the race. Race day would be a disaster without them so they are vitally important. As a runner or walker, some day volunteer for a race as a way to give back. Also at times, thank the spectators. Most of them know only one person running, but are cheering you all on as well
10. HAVE FUN!!! At the end of the day, a personal record feels great, but if it was miserable experience, who cares. If race day doesn’t go as planned, change your goal and run on.
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