Get in the fast lane for the annual Drogheda 10k race on May 6

Dear Sir,

DROGHEDA & District AC’s 10 Top Tips for running the Drogheda 10K on May 6th

With only a few weeks left to the Drogheda 10k, no doubt most of you are looking slimmer than the meat in a Cavan man’s sandwich.

By this stage your head is probably fried with all the buzz words that we runners use just to confuse ourselves even further.

Fear not, we have a little gift for you. Here are our Top Ten tips to make you look good and get you across the finishing line on the day.

Your Nails

Make sure that they’re nice and sharp as you’ll need them to claw your way up that hill on the second half of the course. Seriously though, if you’re going to trim your nails then do it a few days before the race. Don’t wait until the night before as if you make a mistake there’s no time to recover!

Think Positive

You’re in great shape, well round is a shape! If you’ve done a bit of training then you’re probably a lot fitter than you think. Don’t be put off if you’re surrounded by a bunch of people who look like they could do with a good feed. Run your own race and enjoy every step.

Don’t wear headphones

If you do wear headphones then you won’t hear your family and friends telling you how brilliant you are as you fly by them on your way to the finish.

If you can, get to West Street early and soak up the pre race atmosphere, this only happens once each year so enjoy it all. Fuel up and visit the loo! You wouldn’t go on a long journey without putting fuel in your car. It’s the same for your body. Take some fluids on board the day before and during the morning of the race, especially if it’s a warm day and don’t forget to visit the loo before you leave for the race. Capture the day with a photo Times pass and our memories fade so take some pictures to record a special moment in your life. If you’re with someone you shouldn’t be with, then don’t take a photo!

Keep a cool head

No, don’t stick your head in the Fridge on race morning! Have some idea of how you’d like to approach the race and stick to your plan. Remember to keep a little in reserve for the challenge of the hill on your way back into town. Have a plan B in case plan A isn’t working out! Get ready to smile

This is the big one and you don’t want to mess it up! Have those choppers polished up and give the local cameramen the best smile you’ve ever given as you come up to the finish line. The pain is only temporary but the glory finish will last forever! Celebrate your achievement You’ve done the hard work and climbed the hill. Time to celebrate your achievement with the people who’ve supported you, washed your socks and cheered you on every step of the way. Don’t over do it though! Do some Rehab

In the days following the race, ease out those tired and sore muscles with some gentle jogs or a walk if you can. A hot bath will help to soothe those race weary legs.

Join a running club Now that you’re reasonably fit and have hopefully caught the running bug, Don’t let it slip away! Joining your local running club is a great way of keeping up your fitness and meeting some like minded people. Resolve to do it all again next year.

If you haven’t signed up yet there’s still time. You can sign up here https://www. myrunresults.com/events/ drogheda_10k/2426/details

And here’s our Facebook page so you can keep up to date https://www.facebook.com/ Drogheda10k/