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Blossoms are blooming and rain showers are looming. Springtime has come and summer is approaching fast.
With sunshine comes road races, and with road races comes training.
For those who are unfamiliar with road races, they're just like a track or cross-country race, but are held on roads instead. Think of the Boston Marathon.
A typical road race involves a $15 to $20 fee and usually includes a T-shirt, post-race snacks or various items given by the sponsors of the race.
A road race can range from a distance of 5k to the Boston Marathon's incredible 26.2 miles. Runners, joggers and walkers alike can participate in the event and follow along the course distance, set by the organizers of the race.
Haven't started training yet? Well, maybe it's time to start on a running plan. Building up consistent mileage for any road race takes motivation, persistence and dedication. Indeed, hard work is essential but, with the right attitude and work ethic, the task can be done.
To begin a running plan it's important to start slowly. The first week or even three weeks of daily runs can be difficult, but over time you'll be amazed at the gradual improvements in fitness.
Building a running plan can mean starting off with a 20-minute run, then adding five minutes to each run over a week's time.
Focus on proper breathing and stride, and don't try to overdo it on a daily basis. Taking easy days between your hard days is essential. After consistently building or maintaining mileage, try to mix in tempo runs or fast pick-ups during your run to improve fitness and speed.
Let your body dictate your running needs. Some workout days will be tough, other days you'll feel like your flying.
Be patient and stay strong, and the hard work will pay off to achieving your road race goal.
Tori's Tips
• Finding local trails in and around Chico can be fun - Lower and Upper Bidwell offer easy accessed trails with beautiful views and scenery.
The Web site usatf.org/routes offers running routes and distances. You can look at local, past routes that other runners have entered or make up your own.
• Have the right shoes - To prevent injuries a good pair of running shoes is key. There are plenty of great local shoe stores in town where you can pick up a good pair of kicks. Fleet Feet running store in Chico offers help for running shoe choices. For good deals, online stores such as kellysrunningwarehouse.com or runningwarehouse.com are good resources.
On race day
• Come early and give yourself time to warm up - An easy 10 to 15 minute jog will help loosen the legs and open the lungs. Eat something light, yet substantial, beforehand. For early-morning races, light and easily digestible foods such as oatmeal or bananas are good choices. Use training runs to see which foods and timing of meals works best for you.
• Do a light cool down and stretch after the race - To prevent soreness and aching muscles the next day, it's important to do a light walk or jog after a race.
• Most importantly, have fun - Road races not only offer an opportunity to get in some morning fitness or personal record, they also offer a great opportunity to meet new people and maybe find a new running partner.
• Don't hesitate, don't fear and don't overlook the next road race that comes to town - Chico, Sacramento and nearby areas offer road races for every age and fitness level. With adequate training and motivation, a race of any distance - whether it be 5k or a marathon - can be doable.
Top three California road races you should try
• Wharf to Wharf: Registration fills up fast and the course winds a long the Santa Cruz Coast. Enjoy bands playing at each mile and local fans cheering you on along the way.
• Bay to Breakers: The San Francisco race offers a taste of what "crazy" is all about. This event is packed with thousands of runners and loads interesting people.
• Carlsbad 5k: If you're looking for a fast race, this is the one to try. It is located in Southern California and full of different age-group races.
Tori Tyler can be reached at ttyler@theorion.com
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