Don’t forget to grab your #MLQVirtual race day ticket! Sales close July 31 at 11:59 pm ET.
The MLQ Virtual Race Series kicks off Saturday. Our staff has put together a series of posts to help you prepare and execute on the big day. Last week we talked pre-race day prep! Now let’s go over what to do on the big day.
Eat early, eat light
Roughly four hours is the ideal time to eat before your race. It’s early enough to digest and store a large number of calories (energy!) but late enough so your energy will not dissipate before the race. MLQ Copywriter and avid runner, Kerri Donnelly, recommends foods such as peanut butter, bananas and/or oatmeal or toast with nut butter or fruit. Coffee is also an OK choice. However, be conscious of your fiber when making your selections.
Warmup
Once you’re laced up and ready to run, warm-up for at least 5-10 minutes prior to a race. Dynamic stretches and focused movements will help expand your range of motion and reduce soreness. Plus, it will help with your nerves!
Superstitions and pump up songs can also calm you down at the starting line–and remember, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Your body–and your training–will take it from there.
Music to your ears
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a killer playlist (or podcast!) can help you power through the MLQ Virtual 5k or 10k. We asked our volunteers to drop their go-to playlists to help you build your race day track!
#QuidHype
By Krystina Packard, Indianapolis Intensity Assistant Manager and Athlete
Run
By Claire Tylke, MLQ Events Assistant
It’s Not a Sprint, It’s a…Bad Idea?
By Kerri Donnelly, MLQ Copywriter
Questioning Quidditch
By Ian Scura, Boston Night Riders Athlete
Suggested by Erin Moreno, MLQ Executive Assistant
Hydration moderation
For most of our participants, August is a hot month! Hydration should start in the days leading up to the race. Resist the temptation to chug water before the race. It will leave you feeling bloated and dilute those highly-valued electrolytes. Without the latter, cramping could derail your time!
So what should you do before the race? Drink 16 ounces of water two to three hours prior. This will allow for plenty of processing time. You can also drink another one to two cups before you take off. If you hydrate properly, you won’t need to take water breaks during your race. Nonetheless, safety first: bring a water bottle just in case!
Slow and steady finishes the race
Section your race into four parts and run by section rather than time.
For mile one, you should be able to chat with your running partner. If you can’t, you’re moving too fast. Mile two should be a little harder than one. You should be able to hear your breath, but you shouldn’t be gasping for air.
Mile three is where you’ll start to pick it up and go for that well-timed finish. Put in that last push of effort and get ready for your finish-line selfie! And don’t forget to post that selfie online and tag @MLQuidditch and the #MLQVirtualRun!
This content was curated by MLQ Copywriter Kerri Donnelly and Commissioner Amanda Dallas.