How do I gear up for a Get Your Rear in Gear 5K?

Several Get Your Rear in Gear events will be off and running in the coming months, so it’s time to get geared up the race!   Having the proper gear prior to the event will not only keep you comfortable during pre race workouts,  but it will also help you to get acclimated to the equipment so that there are no surprises on race day.  Here are some suggestions for race day gear.

• Appropriate footwear.  There is a difference between a walking shoe and a running shoe.  Running shoes are generally lighter and provide more cushion.  Walking shoes are built for a heavier heel strike.  Having the right shoe will make or break your running or walking experience, so if you are going to invest in one piece of gear, make it the shoe.  A good  shoe store will allow you to try on several pairs of shoes (try at least three before purchasing your first pair) but they will often let you take them out on the road or on a treadmill before buying.  The best shoe for you is the one that fits, so try not to be deterred by style, color, brand or price.
• Creative T Shirt or marker.  Many of our Get Your Rear In Gear participants registered as a team to support a loved one affected by Colon Cancer. Beth’s Brigade, Frannie’s Fannies and last year’s Twin Cities creative team winner, Dan’s Cammo Crew, designed t-shirts, hats or other creative markers to show their support for the cause.  Race day is a fun opportunity to show your creative spirit as an individual or as a team.
• Layers of lightweight clothing. Changing temperatures make it impossible to predict what the exact conditions will be on race day, but if you can train in layers of lightweight polypro,nylon or Coolmax, you will learn what your body needs in various temperatures so that you can make a smart decision on the morning of the event.  A good rule of thumb is that you should be cold when you start your run.  As you get moving, the body temperature increases and you become comfortable.  If you start the run warm, you’ll generally end up too hot once you get moving.  Coolrunning.com has a few good articles on dressing for the changing temperatures
• Socks.  Socks won’t make your run easier, but a bad sock can slow you down or end your run.  Avoid cotton.  Find a pair of lightweight running socks that wick moisture and limit rubbing to avoid blisters.
• Gloves/Hat/Headband.  There are high tech running gloves and head gear, but at this time of year I go to Old Navy, buy the cheapest pair I can find, and use them on my runs.  That way if I need to ditch them along the way, I don’t mind losing them if they happen to be gone when I go back to get them.

What you may not want to bring:

• Keys/Cell Phone/Accessories:  Most runners remove one key from their key chain and leave all of their accessories locked in their car.  Even if you have a pocket, these items can rub, drop out, or cause distractions during the event, so it’s best to to walk/run without them.
• Dog.  Dogs are allowed at the Get Your Rear, but runners with dogs are asked to move to the back of the pack.  Dogs are great training partners, but can get overly excited at a large event.   If you plan to walk the race course, Fido can walk alongside you no matter where you are in the pack.
• iPod.  The Get Your Rear in Gear events do allow iPods or other portable players with headsets for all runners except the elite class.  Many races do not allow them at all.  Regardless of the rule, however,  consider running without it on race day.  Get Your Rear in Gear is an amazing community event, and a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and connect with other athletes who have made this issue a priority.  See if you can train without it at least once or twice before the event so that you know what it feels like not to have it.

Are you in training for one of our April or June events? Check back next week to kick start your training with walk/run intervals.   In the meantime, head to one of our sponsors to get your gear.

Twin Cities Get Your Rear In Gear, April 19 : Marathon Sports, southwest Minneapolis

Chicago Get Your Rear In Gear, April 25: Fleet Feet Sports