Run With Emily – Week 9
The moment of truth is almost upon us, the Genworth VA 10 miler and 4 mile run/walk is Saturday!! I know, I’m trying to take it in too! This is my first time at any race and I have a million questions! So I went right to the top and asked the director of the event and owner of Riverside Runners, Jeff Fedorko all my questions, even the dumb ones!! Here are some of the highlights I learned to help us all on race day!
The Early Bird Catches The Worm or a Good Parking Space! Jeff says to be there no later than 7:15 a.m. Previous participants told me that I’m not going to get a parking space at the EC Glass High School starting area unless I get there early…like 6:30 early. If you’re a bleary eyed mess like me during that time and wait until 7:15 be prepared to walk (or jog to warm up!) Several folks end up parking at the Plaza and that is a bit of a hike to EC Glass!
Be Prepared! Packet pick-up and registration starts Thursday, Sept. 24th at Amazement Square from noon to 7:30 p.m. You can drop by there on Friday as well from noon to 5 p.m. This way you can avoid the congestion on race day. However, if you can’t make it early, registration starts at 6:30 am on race day! If you would like to learn more about race day, our ‘Race Day‘ page has lots of answers. I didn’t register very early so I’m going to go on Thursday in hopes of still getting the 10-miler t-shirt.
Enough Zzzzz’s! This is my first race and I’m worried I won’t sleep because I’m too excited. Jeff says the secret is to make sure you get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the event. Sounds like the perfect Rx to me! Heck, I barely slept the night before the practice race on Labor Day, I’m not sure I’ll sleep at all before the race!
Getting Off on the Right Foot! When it is time to ready, set, go…make sure you’re in like company. Apparently event organizers will be encouraging folks to join groups with similar paced runners. There will be folks with place cards helping you to figure it all out. Say you average 10 minutes a mile (I wish!) then you will be directed into the area where people run a similar time. The slower you are the farther away from the starting line you’ll be, but don’t worry, your time doesn’t start until you get over the starting line. I’m thinking of crashing a slower group so I can race past them and feel fast! By the way, the inside scoop is that the 10 and 4 mile runners are starting at the same time and the walkers start 2 minutes later.
The Future Is NOW!!!!!!!!! So how do you keep track of thousands of people’s individual times while they run or walk the race? Well a fancy schmancy chip inside our runners bib does all the work! Plus, Big Brother is watching, if you want him too! The chip keeps track of you on the course and your family and friends can keep track of you too. If you like that option, you can include cell numbers of friends and family while registering online. They then can keep track of your progress on their phones! Since my hubby will be dragging around our hyper 7-year-old it will help him figure out where to meet me when! Speaking of which, Jeff says it’s important to have a game plan. Especially if you’re running with a kid and you lose track of them, or maybe they’re faster than you! Have a place to meet. For example, a good place at the 4 mile point is the gazebo at Randolph College.
Make Way for the Big Leaguers! Apparently you’re encouraged to run on one side of the street to make way for the elite runners who will be already making their way back, making us all feel slow as molasses.
Feeling Groovy! Jeff says if you’re not feeling good by mile 2, you’re pushing yourself too hard! This isn’t the Boston Marathon, the point is to have fun (unless of course you’re trying to win some $$$$!!)
Patience is Key. Patience is more like a four letter word to me. I have none! However, if you’re running or walking the 4 miler and plan to take the bus, you will have to tap into a well of patience since thousands of people are planning to do the 4 miler too. So be ready to either chill until it’s your turn or have your ride meet you at Randolph College.
Get Ready to Party Hearty! If you want to finish the run with a bang, head back to the starting area where runners will enjoy live music, food and massages! There will be a bag drop area at EC Glass so you might want to bring a change of clothes. I’m planning to change so I don’t horrify the masseuse with my sweaty body.
There Are No Losers! Yes, we all win by participating!! I’m looking forward to getting my commemorative medal!! I’m already trying to figure out how wear it subtly as jewelry to work.
If you want a medal too, now is a great time to sign up and run the 10 miler or the 4 mile run/walk! You can find out more by clicking here!
Emily Robinson is an ABC 13 talk show host, award winning producer, health nut,
sci-fi nerd, pop culture fan, life-long student, California girl, wife, mommy
and a potential athlete that needs a lot of training.