Seek the peak training: Pacers' Advice
Posted by Grouse Mountain May 24, 2017
Our 14th annual Seek the Peak race is fast approaching we want to make sure you have all the info you need to rock those race day hills. Stay tuned as we share some helpful training and preparation tips to support your journey, all the way to the Peak!
A huge part of our training program and our race day team is our team of pacers. These folks know where it's at and are a wealth of info when it comes to how to prepare for race day since they've been through it all. Today we're sharing some of their top tips to help you crush your goals on the big day.
Top Tips from our Pacers
Lesley's Tip:
For an event like this one, pacing is critical. Imagine that you have one match; burn it too hot and you will be fatigued and ready to quit before halfway. Instead, light the match in Ambleside and burn it evenly throughout your run. When you are coming down the Peak and nearing the end of your 16km is when it is time to use the last of your energy to push through to a spectacular finish!
Colin’s Tip:
My best piece of advice would be to not try anything new on race day that you haven't tried in training. Whether it’s a different breakfast that you saw on Facebook or a new hydration pack that you're itching to try out, make sure to test things out before race day to find out what works for you. That way, you will have the best race that you possibly can. Most importantly, have fun and crush those hills!!!
Suzanne’s Tip:
Remember the training and know you're ready. Remember to say thank you to the volunteers. Mostly have fun! It's a fun atmosphere at the finish to see your fellow trainees finish and celebrate together.
Andy’s Tip:
Running hills - Best piece of advice I’ve ever got when starting out running trails and something that I still stick to, was this: if you can't see the top, walk it! You can interpret this depending on your fitness level and the grade of the incline, total mileage run that race or day. In simple terms it means that if the hill is really steep or long, you will not be able to see the top and it does not make sense to run it. A fast hike will get you to the top just as well without losing too much time and using slightly different muscles than your running apparatus. The big advantage of this is that you will be more rested arriving at the top than someone who "ran" to the top and it allows you to then use the saved energy to run faster downhill or flat. If you can see the top of the hill, imagine a trail that rolls with short sections going on an incline at varying grades, it might pay to run the hill and then recover on the next flat section. It helps to know the trail to make the best decision to know when to push and when to preserve energy. As your fitness improves you will be able to run more of the hills and hike less. You can then start to run into the longer hills farther, hike the middle section and start running again before you reach the top.
Christine’s Tip:
Arrive early enough for those last minute bathroom stops and to participate in the excellent warm-up; crucial to help get the legs moving and the mindset for the road ahead. If you feel a little out of gas as you hit Nancy Greene Way, then walk a minute and run a minute, alternating all the way to the top and you’ll be there in no time. Last but not least, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate, especially with some electrolytes if it’s a warm day.
Stacey’s Tip:
My biggest lesson learned was last year when I didn't fuel properly. I had practiced runs with electrolytes, but on race day I got over excited and wanted so badly to be prepared for the Grind that I over did it. When I hit the Grind I had no regular water with me and all I had in my tummy was electrolyte which made me feel less than my best. I didn't do it knowingly, just a mistake in the moment. My advice is carry water, practice, practice, practice and make sure your stomach will be okay. It's a tip for training and for race day. Trust what you know!
For more information on Seek the Peak and to register, click here.
