In this episode of Run Lift Mom, I teamed up with the best running coaches out there to discuss what to do with your race is cancelled:
Show Notes
2:00 Jack Brunecz, Methodist University Director of Cross Country and Track & Field on why this is bittersweet and the mindset you should own
4:00 Liz DeLise, Coaching on doing the run anyway but respecting your training
10:00 round table with Dr Matt DeBole, PT, DPT & Coach Chris Kenon
11:00 honoring feelings of disappointment 12:30 Chris’s personal story with hurricane cancelled half IM 14:00 why we’re shocked 15:00 “reverse taper” defined 18:00 reevaluating goals & creating new micro cycles for fall rescheduled races
21:30 silver lining of getting an “out” in a poor training season, opportunity to make next training cycling schedule 23:00 how to plan a safe community or virtual run 24:30 focus on safety, creative ideas to recreate experience
28:00 nerding out on running as a sport 30:00 should runners sign up for another race now or wait it out? 33:00 focusing on what you can control
35:00 Valerie Hunt of RunRx on mechanics and practicing the skill of running in the off season
Many of us are wrapping our heads around cancelled races due to the current health crisis. What should you do if your race is no longer happening? Outside of hiring a coach to help you sort it out, here are my top 5 tips for a cancelled marathon:
Don’t jump into a new program
For many of you with late March and early April races, you are at your peak mileage. You need to give your body a rest before moving onto something new. What’s worse than a canceled race? An overuse injury!
Consider a reverse taper
This is if your race reschedules and is highly specific to your race date, so I will encourage you to contact your existing coach or hire one to help with this specific piece.
Don’t take advantage of your current training
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You don’t want to look for a race in a few weeks in an effort to use your existing training. We don’t know when this crisis will be over so your safest bet is to look into the summer or fall for a new event.
Run the distance if you need to
Many races are offering a virtual option. Even if yours isn’t, consider running the distance on race day if you feel like you’ll need emotional closure.
It feels very selfish to be concerned about this, but the reality is you have invested a lot of time into your training and it’s okay to mourn the experience you thought you would have.
Remember your WHY
I know it’s not completely detached from the racing experience. Why did you decide to do this race outside of that, though?
To challenge yourself? To become healthier? To establish a positive habit? To be a good role model for your kids?
Please write down your why & put it somewhere visible. You’re going to feel some waves of disappointment and I want you to have easy access.
Like free stuff?
Don’t forget to take up Dr. Matt on the Run Better Academy swag bag offer with a training plan purchase!
The podcast episode associated with this post is made possible by your support of my ZYIA Active business and a partnership with Red H Nutrition: use RUNLIFTMOM to save 10% on anything.
