This week was the official start of the New York State Parks Summer Run Series, a series of 8 races all around some of Long Island’s best parks and beaches. It’s a great time to not only see what Long Island has to offer, but veteran runners keep coming back for the supportive, positive atmosphere, and post-race party. Runners close out summer nights with a beer, BBQ, music, tents, laughs, and good times all around!
One year there was a whisper of the state possibly doing away with it. I started a Facebook group to support it, and at almost 2,000 members strong, the New York State Summer (and winter!) Run Series continues to grow. {high five!}
Back to summer nights…
Each race starts at 7pm on Monday nights putting many people in the predicament of either coming right from work, or rushing to get there after a long day. Not the ideal pre-race prep.
I’ve been participating in the summer run series for about 10 years now, and I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes. If you want to get the most out of your night-time race, keep these tips in mind:
1- Plan Meals
Hopefully you’re planning meals already, but even so, plan according to what time the race starts and what your stomach can handle. You may want to eat the bulk of your calories earlier in the day, and focus on foods that are easier to digest as the day progresses. I’ve personally found that 2 hours before the race is when I need to be done eating meals and go into race prep mode.
2- Hydrate
Pay extra attention to hydrating on race days–especially because summer nights can be notoriously hot and humid. Have a hydration goal, and just like eating, keep an eye on the clock.
3- Watch the Clock
Ok, so I’ve already mentioned this in the above 2 tips, but it’s that big. The clock can easily get away from you while you’re being a busy bee at work. Eating too much, or not eating at all, throughout the day can be a recipe for disaster and really put a damper on what is supposed to be a good time. Successfully running at night really is contingent on eating and hydrating according to your time schedule.
4- Be Organized
If the race starts at 7, you might need to be there by 6, meaning you probably need to leave at 5:30–don’t put yourself in a position to be rushing around after work. Have everything laid out, or have a bag packed, so you are ready for a quick change that leaves no room for error. Getting to the race and realizing you forgot your bib, or other essential item is super stressful and unnecessary. Having it all organized ahead of time can make for a smooth transition from your day job to night-time super runner.
5- Don’t forget post-race recovery
I mentioned how this series is famous for beer and BBQs. They also have an amazing snack line. But by now it’s almost 8:00 at night, you’re starving, and by the time you get home, it may be around 9. Have a plan for refueling immediately after the race and don’t necessarily depend on what the race provides. One year they had great protein bars that fit right in with my nutritional needs, but one year it was just chips and other disappointing snacks! Have your favorite recovery option stashed in your car so you can recover right and feel strong the next day.
I am loving Bob’s Red Mill Chai Protein Powder with just plain water, so I keep a scoop in my shaker ready to go!
Have you ever raced at night?
What was your biggest challenge?
Welcome to our Wild Workout Wednesday link up! Each week I link up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, and Nicole at Fitful Focus to bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us for a wild workout each week by reading along or grab the button and link up if you have a fitness or healthy living post to share!
Linkup below if you have a workout, fitness find or healthy recipe to share! Just make sure to link back or grab the badge and we will make sure to spread the inspiration around 🙂
Also linking up with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday!
Stay in touch!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+
Absolutely LOVE the checklist! I am ALWAYS forgetting something and having a list like this would be perfect!
Annmarie recently posted…10 Minute Ultimate Sandbag Core Workout For Runners
Seriously…especially after a long day!!
I might be having my first night race later this summer, so this is perfect! I’m currently trying not to think about the fact that I am going to be running a half marathon after eating all day….
Yikes! Can’t wait to hear about the run and the prep!
I do not run many night runs but this sounds like a great summer series! The food timing is the hardest for me when you switch from a 7am to 7pm start time. Good luck with the series!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Join Me for the ZOOMA Summer Challenge
Thanks! Food timing is hard enough in the morning, never-mind evening!
I’m not a nighttime runner–I really struggle unless I run in the morning. Great tips!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Sh** or Get Off of the Portapotty
I do too…that’s why I need so much preparation for it!!
Love the list! Adjusting your eating schedule to your race makes so much sense. I also need to try the protein mix you mentioned, sounds delicious! I really want to sign up for a night run, since my sister had so much fun at one recently. I’ll keep these tips in mind!
Eliannah recently posted…Grip Training Workout
Thanks!! Yes, the Bob’s Red Mill is great! Hope you found my giveaway!
I don’t do too many night runs but I do love to do the summer Adventure runs at road runner sports. Great tips! Thanks for the link up
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Skirting Around Boulder-Skirt Sports Retreat
Thanks! Night-time is not the ideal time to run for most, but summer nights are different I suppose!
Great points for runners here and who doesn’t need a checklist!?!? Nice post idea! Sharing!
Thanks! I love checking things off lists!
Nighttime running is definitely more tricky but it sounds like a great series. That’s a great checklist too, I always fear I will forget stuff when I go to a run or race.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Tips for Healthy Living on a Busy Schedule
It totally takes up my whole day, but it could be disastrous if you don’t plan for it!
I wish that our local running company had a summer series in town! I have read and seen friends running a series over the summer, 1 run a week or something. I think that would be a great way to connect with other runners in a big way!
lindsey @livinglovingrunner recently posted…lazy day + Thomas | Weekend Happenings
I am very lucky to have a strong, lively local running community!
I need to look into this race series! So awesome! Great tips, too.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…New York Mini 10K Race Recap
Thanks!! It’s all Long Island parks and beaches…farthest west it goes is Jones Beach!
What a cool series of races!
I ran one race at night and I totally underestimated the fueling thing… gah! I learned my lesson, that’s for sure. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Six Things That Make Runners Nervous Before a Training Cycle
It’s pretty challenging even when you do plan for it!
Great tips Michelle. I like nighttime races but they always seem to throw me off mentally. Just a little. It’s the morning person in me.
jill conyers recently posted…5 Easy Tips for Smart and Sustainable Fitness
Same here! Hence, all the tips!!