Running Your First Trail Race?

If you’ve never run a trail race before here are some helpful things to consider. 

Be Careful and Watch Your Step
The trail includes some technical areas that have roots and uneven ground. If you are not accustomed to running this type of terrain you may want to walk these sections for your safety.  The are also some areas where you may need to duck down to avoid hitting your head. 

Stay Hydrated but Not Overhydrated
Remember to drink fluids with electrolytes. Do not consume too much water without taking in enough sodium.or you could suffer from hyponatremia (low sodium in your blood). Salt tablets will be on hand as well Hammer Heed which is an electrolyte drink. Every runner sweats differently, Your body reacts to heat and humidity differently, and reacts to the stress of a race or training differently

Leave No Trace
There’s a saying “Leave No Trace” that trail runner’s adhere to, which is to leave the trail like you’ve never ran on it. So please throw away any trash in the designated trash bags along the course and carry any  empty wrappers in your pockets or running packs. Please stay on designated trails to minimize your impact.

Yield to Faster Runners
Some people at the race will be running competitively. When you hear a runner come up behind you during the race please try to step aside to let them pass. Even if you are in a narrow section of the trail try to find an area where you can step aside to let runners pass.

Be Courteous
If you are a faster runner please be conscientious about your fellow runners, give them time to get out of the way. One way to do this is to politely say “How it going?” or just a “Hi”  As a last resort you can say: On your left.” so you can pass to the left of the person. For many runners this will be their first trail race so let’s encourage each other to finish the race and have a good time.

Headphones
If you would like to use headphones please be cognizant of your surroundings and other runners especially if they are trying to pass you. If you must use headphones consider bone conduction headphone so you are not blocking out the outside sounds. Our sponsor, Fleet Feet carry bone conduction headphones. 

Running a Loop Based Race for the First Time?
The benefits of a loop based race include:

• Proximity to the aid stations
• Ability to place your own drop bag with your gear and supplies near the start/finish line if needed
• Familiarity with the course, you’ll know it well after a couple loops
• Count your loops. Each loop gets you closer to finishing

Each loop will be recorded as you cross the start/finish time.