CheekyChicago

Rock and roll!  One of the most fun half marathons (if half marathons can be considered “fun”) is coming to Chicago this Sunday, August 1st.

Whether you race for a cause, fitness, a personal record, support or for romance – I’ve polled some of the city’s most in-the-know runners to help you succeed on race day!

Gina DiCello: walktothemailbox.com; goal to do 50 marathons in 50 states.

You’re going to be so excited and nervous come race day, but make sure you keep a level head about it.  When the gun goes off, DO NOT go out too fast!  Your legs and mental stamina will thank you later.  You should go at a pace that actually makes you feel annoyed because it’s slow for the first one to three miles, then you’ll be totally warmed up and able to kick in at a comfortable pace.

Even though lululemon just came out with their gorgeous fall line, don’t buy a new outfit for the race.  Wear something you’ve already been training hard in – an outfit malfunction on the race course is easily avoidable.

Aquaphor is a genius product.  I use it to prevent the inevitable chafing, but I also put it in between all my toes (preventing blisters), under my heart rate monitor (if you wear one) and two small stripes above my eyebrows which helps the salty sweat from getting in my eyes.

Caitlin Soloway:  http://tinyurl.com/yhl4hho.

Load up on cherries! Research has revealed that powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect muscles and joints even before an athlete laces up, thereby reducing post-exercise pain.

Michael Lorenzen: One Man Chicago finalist, triathlete.

Start out fast, pick it up in the middle, haul ass at the end.

Andy Baldwin: Former Bachelor, marathon man and triathlete.

Take a gel an hour into your run.

Emily Hutchins: Owner, Chicago’s On Your Mark Coaching and Fitness.

Hydrate every 15 minutes.  Just take sips of water, don’t overdo it!  If you hear water “sloshing” in your stomach, you’re drinking too much.

Focus on your form.  The more focused you are, the less likely to get ”sloppy” which fatigues the body sooner than staying as efficient as possible.

Run at your OWN pace, don’t get caught up in excitement and start too hard trying to keep up with others who may be a bit faster.