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Kids First Race Tips
By: Andy Mouncey
I’ve just entered my first race and I’m really excited! What can I expect on race day?
Wow – where to start! Well, lots of other equally excited kids and Mum’s and Dad’s!
Nerves Are Good!
You might even feel a little nervous – and if you don’t, maybe Mum or Dad might! That’s OK ‘cos nerves are normal and are a good sign: it means this is important to you and you want to do the best you can – so welcome any butterflies you might feel – it simply means you are ready! Remember, plenty of other people will be equally nervous and excited – you just might not be able to tell from looking at them! One helpful thing you can do is to remind yourself that you ARE ready to do your best today – and to imagine how GREAT you’ll feel afterwards!
How Will I Know Where To Go?
Before Race Day
Read your Race Day Instructions with Mum and Dad before race day. These will tell you where you need to be and at what time. Read them a few times and try and remember the really important points. Get Mum and Dad to test you!
On Race Day: Listening
You will be given some more instructions when you register that you have arrived and are ready! You will also need to be at a Pre-Race Briefing with everyone who is taking part. Here, the Race Organiser will tell you all about your event. You will also be able to ask questions. There will also be instructions given by loudspeaker throughout the event. It is important that you listen to these carefully and do what they ask. If in doubt, ask any one of the race day helpers who are easy to spot in their bright vests and are always happy to help.
On Race Day: Looking
Have a look around the course yourself with Mum and Dad. You may have a map of these enclosed with you Race Day Instructions. There will also be a map at Registration – so a chance to practice your map-reading skills!
Go and see where the swim will take place, have a look at the bike course and where you will keep your bike, look at the run course and where you will finish. Mum and Dad can also check to see where they will watch and cheer you from.
There may be races taking place before yours. This is a great opportunity to see how the course works – as well as practicing your cheering!
Can I Bring Some People To Help Me?
YES! While you will be the one swimming and cycling and running, it’s a good idea to have people to help you get ready and to look after you afterwards. If it’s your first race then it’s a VERY special occasion and having people to share it with makes it even better!
If you have brothers or sisters or other friends who are coming with you, then one idea is to ask one of them to help you with one part of your race. For example, your brother could help you get ready for your swim – your Chief Swim Helper - your friend for the bike ride, and so on.
Make Some Noise!
There will be plenty of places where your family and friends will be able to see you and cheer you on. Cheering is REALLY important! One idea is to ask someone to be your Chief Cheerleader – make banners, bring some of those Huge Hands, balloons and even drums, whistles etc. so you have your own colourful and noisy Support Team! Imagine how great you’ll feel when you go past them in your race! WOW!!
What Should I Eat Before My Race?
You can’t do well on an empty stomach! So make sure you have a good breakfast at least 2 hours before your race. Things like cereal, toast, a banana, yogurt, boiled egg will give you lots of energy.
What Is The Best Thing To Drink?
WATER! You will be doing 3 sports in one so will be sweating quite a bit! It is important not to feel too thirsty during your event, so drinking a glass of water before you go to bed the night before, and having a glass of water when you wake up before breakfast are important. Take some bottles of water with you and drink a little and often in the 2-3 hours before you race – and a big drink after wads as well! Your Support Team will also need some water!
Do I Need To Do Any Practice Before My Race?
The most important thing is to be able to swim at least your race distance – so practicing this in your local swimming pool is the most important part. You also need to be able to ride your bike without falling off!
Other than that, you do not need to do any more practice before your first race. There will be people to help you in the Transition Area as you change from the swim to your bike, and then from your bike to the run.
Just come and enjoy the fun of doing something new and trying your best! Imagine how GREAT you’ll feel afterwards!
Once you have finished your first event, you may want to do another one – and this time go a little faster – in which case some more practice might be helpful.
Do I Need Any Special Clothes or Equipment?
Apart from your bike and swimming costume or trunks – NO! Your normal trainers and T-shirt will do just fine.
What IS important is that you remember to bring some dry and warm clothes to change into afterwards!
And Finally…
Your first event is very special – so be proud of having a go at something you’ve never ever done before! We believe that all anyone can ever ask of you is that you do the best you can and encourage the other people around you taking part. Take time to thank the people helping you and wear a BIG SMILE at the finish: ENJOY YOUR DAY!
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