So you’ve signed up to the challenge and your training is underway. The Women’s Adventure Race is designed to suit women of all fitness levels, and you’re following a plan that means you’re ready to tackle whatever lies in your path.
Before you get to race day, make sure to follow our top tips to see you through to the finish line…
Check The Weather Forecast
Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of the race. Anything from suncream, sunglasses to rain gear and extra layers could be needed with our Irish climate! If it looks like it’s going to be a hot day, make sure you will be comfortable in your training gear. Chaffing of sweat-drenched clothing under the arms and between the thighs can make for a very long race!
Try On Your Race Day Outfit
Test your race day clothing before the big day on a training session to test how comfortable you are in your gear. If you find any item is irritating, or bothers you during your session, it’s time for a wardrobe change.
Don’t Forget To Wear a Smile
Don’t forget us women are all in this together. Feel free to flash a smile and encourage others as you go along your trek. You will get a boost of good feeling and the spirit of camaraderie will get you through the race – even if inside you are struggling.
Keep Hydrated and Refuelled
Make sure to bring water along to the first run in your adventure race, especially if it is a hot day. Make life easier while you run and invest in a water bottle shaped to be hand-held as you run. These are available in any sports store and will help keep you hydrated on the day of the race.
When tackling the cycling section, attach a water bottle to your bike so that you have more fluids at hand. Attach some food to your bike too – this will help refuel your body and replace the energy you’ve burned up during the first run.
Know Your Bike Maintenance Basics
Remember there is no bike mechanic available while you are out on the course. As you’ll be tackling this course on your own, take the time to learn how to put the chain back on your bike if it comes off, and know how to replace a tube should you get a puncture. It would be very frustrating to let all your hard work go to waste because your bike was out of action and only needed a simple repair!
To be on the safe side, get your bike checked out or even serviced before the race. Inform the bike mechanic what type of event you are doing and ask them to put a high pressure in your tyres. You’ll feel the benefits of this when you’re on the off-road section.
Arrive On Time
With all the planning leading up to the day, arrive early so that you will not be flustered and stressed when you start the race. Allow yourself time to get yourself sorted on arrival as this will make you feel more relaxed and ready to go. Use this time to eat a snack, use the bathroom or change your clothes ahead of the race.
Enjoy Your Day
After months of training, this is the culmination of all the hard-work and effort you’ve put in along the way. Take a minute to stop and really enjoy it – you deserve to be there and bask in your achievement.
You are fit, strong and fabulous and don’t dare forget it!
Challenge yourself to The Women’s Adventure Race event and sign up to take part with the girls. The event includes running, cycling and kayaking and takes place in Leenane, Co.Galway on July 26th and now with a second race in Roundwood, Co.Wicklow on September 20th.
