About 4 weeks before race day:

  • Register for the race
  • Start running on a regular basis, about 3 times a week, 2-3 miles each time.
  • Hydrate well throughout the day.
  • Figure out what you are most comfortable running in and wear the running shoes and clothing on your regular runs that you’ll be racing in (do not wear new clothes/shoes to the race!)
  • If you don’t eat breakfast now, start to get used to eating something for example; a little bit of oatmeal or a bagel or a breakfast bar and a piece of fruit, maybe some juice. If you do eat breakfast, think about what kinds of foods give you sustained energy. You’ll want to eat something familiar on race day!

The Day Before:

  • Eat protein and fruits and vegetables as well as some breads/grains. A good example menu for dinner would be broiled chicken or fish with bread or pasta and a salad.
  • Have a relaxing day. Kick your feet up and watch a movie tonight.
  • Hydrate! Drink lots of water. This is most important the day before. Drinking too much water the morning of the race will give you cramps and you’ll end up making way too many pitstops!
  • Make sure your race day clothes are clean and ready to go for tomorrow – that includes socks and underwear!
  • Pin your race number to your race shirt.
  • Set your alarm clock for tomorrow morning.
  • Envision yourself crossing the finish!

RACE DAY!!!!

  • Eat a light breakfast, ex: 1/2 bagel or a bowl of oatmeal, banana, orange juice. Don’t overdue it. Save that for after the race! Also, eat something you are used to. Don’t try any new foods or breakfast/energy bars on the morning of the race.
  • Conserve your energy. Although you may feel like you can jump rope for a 1/2 hour or jump on the trampoline – don’t do it. You’ll need the energy for the race. Trust me.
  • Do not freak out about the race – go at your pace! Try not to worry about time.
  • PACE YOURSELF! Start slower than you think you can run, save your energy for the finish.

A POEM by a Maplewood GOTR participant

I think Girls-on-the-run is a really really great place to be. And I think everyone should join. It is fun to just run and jog every Monday and Saturday. It is a really inspiring and happy place to be. I love girls on the run and I think everyone will to. That is if they join. “Which they should.” he he he And if they do it it will be great. And I think it would be a great opportunity to be a Girls-on-the-run champion. I think it is a great choice to do Girls-on-the-run. Yahh!

Great
Inspiring
Radical
Loving
Super

Offering
Needy

Terrific
Happy
Exciting

Running
Useful
Neat!

Be yourself
Have fun
Try your best

FROM A MAPLEWOOD PARENT

Just wanted to say that I think [my daughters] heartfelt writing reflects how much she has loved the Maplewood GOTR program. She is always enthusiastic to get to class and comes home exhilarated and happy! Coach Mel and Coach Alison and all the team are so fantastic and we have so enjoyed watching [her] grow and thrive through the fall season!. If only there was an indoor winter session!!! A big thank you to coach Alison, Coach Mel and the whole team! You guys rock!