RACE TIPS

by Mark Lorenzoni
  • Formulate your race day pacing game plan in the days leading up to the race.
  • Don’t stand or walk more than normal on Friday!
  • Hydrate and keep those electrolytes replenished throughout the day on Friday.
  • Repeat the exact same Friday routine you’ve been following throughout your training.
  • Pick up your race packet on Friday evening, not Saturday morning.
  • Don’t overdress! Dress very lightly if the temps are going to be in the 50’s or greater.
  • Know the do’s and don’ts of “warming up” prior to the start of the race.
  • Line up in your appropriate area on the starting line…if anything, line up further back.
  • Go out extra slow for the first half mile.
  • Make the first mile your very slowest of the entire race!
  • Take it easy up the two big hills on Stadium road in mile 2…don’t push them!
  • Practice your P.O.E. for miles 3-8 but then go hard on the up hills from 8 to the finish!
  • Enjoy the scenery along the way!
  • If it’s sunny and warm, take water/electrolytes at every stop (miles 2.3, 5, 7 and 8.3)
  • Really lean in to and push all of the down hills (see below)!
  • Start your final big “all-out” kick as you hit the downhill at St.Mark’s on Alderman (9.8)!
  • After completing your race, cool down for a half mile (or so) and then celebrate!!
  • Take a few weeks to properly recover from your race.

GO FOR IT SECTIONS OF THE COURSE

There are some great downhill section treats along the course, where it is in your best interest to really push the pace by leaning into them!
  • The downhill just after you turn off Alderman left onto Stadium Road (~mile 1.4).
  • The long, seemingly unending descent down Grady and Preston to the mall (~mile 3.4 to 4.8).
  • The long descent on Jefferson, starting at the old Courthouse, and running all the way to the bottom of 2nd street (~mile 5.2 to 5.7).
  • The short but very steep downhill just as you pass the 6 mile mark on Evergreen, that takes you to the start of Lexington Avenue.
  • The descent as you crest Maple at 7th street, that takes you all the way to Water St. (~6.7-7.1).
  • The short but steep downhill as you pass the Red Roof Inn on the Corner (~mile 8.2).
  • The short but sweet feeling downhill on McCormick after you pass through the first set of bus gates in Central Grounds at UVa and takes you across the bridge (~mile 8.8).
  • The downhill just as you turn off McCormick onto Alderman (~mile 9.2).
  • The short but steep downhill at St. Mark’s just as you approach Ivy Road at mile 9.8…Go!!!  
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