Jenni's Do's and Don'ts of Running Races

Posted by Jenni on October 18th, 2009 · Filed Under: Posts

This weekend, I ran the IBM Uptown Classic, which had gorgeous weather in the 50s. I posted my best time yet for a 10K at a 1:00:40, and I’m feeling super confident about going into half-marathon training season.

Something that is super cool — comparing my 10K time for this race to the Capitol 10K I ran a few months before we started @fatroll (so about 20 pounds heavier). With the combination of bootcamp and weight loss, I have shaved off roughly nine minutes from my time! That’s so clutch! Granted the Capitol 10K route has a lot more hills than the race I just completed, but I ran the exact same course last year too (though I was in the middle of my half-marathon training, so I was running much more often). That time was a 1:03:27, but what is super cool is looking at my splits. This year, I was able to keep relatively the same pace for both the first part and the second part (I ran the second half only :12 minute/mile slower) That’s compared to last year’s almost 1:00 minute/mile difference! Yippee!

And as I was running this 10K, I made mental notes for a blog posting on the ridiculous things I came across. So now, I give to you the Jenni Do’s and Don’ts of Running Races — both of the participant and the spectator.

For the Participant:

Don’t talk during the National Anthem. It’s rude. People died for this country and our freedom, and their family/friends could be running next to you. It’s a beautiful song when sung right, so don’t be a jerk and enjoy the song and remember those who couldn’t run this race with us.
Do try and use the restroom before you start the race. Participants are already breathing hard, and honestly, we don’t need your nervous farts stinking up the course. And I hate to break it to you, but just because you are running in a swarm of people doesn’t mean we can’t figured out who let one rip. If you feel you need to fart, look behind you and then go off to the side and point your stinky britches away from others.
Do make sure your shorts/running skirt aren’t that short. I saw, not joking, four girls butts literally hanging out of their shorts or running skirt. Not only is it disgusting (especially if you are one of the farters), but it is distracting. I totally went slower because I was so in shock by the butt action I was seeing. Before you walk out the door (or for that matter, before you purchase a pair of running pants), do a little jog and look in the mirror to see if you’re showing too much junk in the trunk.
Don’t walk around barefoot after a race. I saw a girl doing this — and not just walking on the grass, but all over the roads. I know the first thing you want to do after a race is take off your socks and shoes, but you are increasing your chances of various diseases. Just wait until you get home. Your feet (and if you get pedi’s — the chick at the spa) will thank you.

For the Spectator:

Don’t interrupt a runner’s need for water. Okay, I’m totally serious, but this girl was trying to drink her water while her boyfriend (who didn’t run the race) is trying to make out with her. Honestly, it was incredibly disgusting to watch, and I was already feeling ill. Let the person finish their water to rehydrate! Geebus! (Oh, and get a room)
Do bring kids to races. There is nothing like a five-year-old kid you don’t know yelling their head off, cheering. Little kids are cute, and they are super cute as spectators. Plus, they make me run faster if they are two and crying because I need to get away fast. Haha.
Don’t say you’ll come and then not show up. I understand that you want to be a good friend and offer to root your runner on, but if you don’t show up (and don’t tell the runner where you’ll be watching), it is a total downer and will potentially effect the pace of the runner (because they’re looking for your MIA butt). That said, as a runner, give the person watching you the most accurate time possible if they want to watch you cross the finish line. I was accidentally off by 11 minutes during my last 10K and Justin missed it. Whoops!
Do prepare a fun post-breakfast/lunch for your runner! When I got home, Justin was ready and waiting with food — and I was totally hungry and happy to see the spread! There is nothing like running a long run and then completely counteracting your hard work with greasy goodness. Except when you’re on a @fatroll diet. Then keep it light and healthy!

Do you have any other random bits of advice for runners or spectators? If so, leave them in the comments!