Tips for Participating in the Komen Race for the Cure

This year I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure for the second time. In Portland, over 47,000 people participated, which is incredibly inspiring, but also incredibly crowded! My other experience was in Sacramento, where only about half that number participated, so I really didn't know what I was getting into this time. It's a wonderful event, and I highly recommend it - but if you decide to participate in the Race nearest you, here are some tips for a positive experience.

Race for the Cure Tip #1 - Plan Ahead

Fees are higher if you miss deadlines or wait until the day of the race, so be sure to sign up early. You can generally sign up online nowadays, which makes it easy. Block out the date on your calendar. You may want to keep the whole day free - you'll most likely spend the whole morning and the race, and you may want the remainder of the day to rest!

Race for the Cure Tip #2 - Get the Word Out

You're not required to collect pledges in order to race, but that is the main point of the event - fundraising (and awareness). Send an email to let people know you're entering the race, and that they can sponsor you. Check your location's website to see if they can collect donations for you online - that way you don't even have to handle the money.

Race for the Cure Tip #3 - Be Prepared

You're not required to be an athlete to participate in the race. There are usually three options offered: a 5K run, a 5K walk, and a 1 mile fun run/walk. Choose the one that is appropriate for you. Even if you're just walking or running for fun, you may benefit from some pre-race training. Try walking and/or running four to five times a week for at least six weeks before the race, gradually increasing your time. Five kilometers is equal to about 3.1 miles, so walking or running 3 miles at least once a week is good practice too.

Race for the Cure Tip #4 - Dress for the Occasion

Put comfort first in your attire! Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather, and comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in well before the race. Bring a hat for warmth or to keep the sun off, depending on the weather. Race volunteers staff a clothing-check area where you can leave your jacket or other unneeded items during the race.

Race for the Cure Tip #5 - Be Early

Your race may allow you to check in and pick up your t-shirt and race bib before race day. If you're not able to do this, be sure to arrive early enough to check in - I'd say at least one hour before your race time. After checking in, keep track of the time, and be ready to get in position for your race quickly. I entered the 5K Walk, which was the last to start, and was also the biggest group. Immediately after all of the 5K runners had crossed the finish line, walkers started moving into position. I thought this was a bit hasty, but I made my way over too. I was glad I did, because the street filled up fast, and there wasn't even room for all of the walkers to be there at once. When the walk finally started, I didn't even reach the starting line for fifteen minutes - and I was only about 1-2 blocks back!

Race for the Cure Tip #6 - Find the Right Spot for You

The walking portion Race for the Cure is not a true race walk. Most of the people aren't even planning to go particularly fast. They're in it for the cause, and for the companionship. If you're planning to walk faster, as I was, I recommend getting as close to the front as you can before the start. If you're planning to walk more slowly, hang back and let some of the others be in the front. Once underway, if you are moving faster than others around you, you may be able to move to the sides of the course to pass others.

Race for the Cure Tip #7 - Drink Plenty of Water

Start drinking water even before race day in order to be fully hydrated. Go for six to eight glasses of water per day, or two liters. Then, drink water before, during, and after the race. There's plenty of water available.

Race for the Cure Tip #8 - Have Fun

Companionship is great for making a race fun. Bring a friend, or join a race team. There are also many booths and activities to take part in, and many free give-aways on race day. Give yourself time to check everything out!

Make it fun, and I bet you'll want to do it again. Enjoy!