Creating space in a race
How to keep from getting tangled at the start
Another thing that Race prep article talked about was what to do in the corral and when the race starts and you are in a crowd. But they missed a couple points. If you’re up towards the front and the race is properly designed with a reverse funnel or it’s a smaller race you may find yourself running at race pace while still surrounded by runners.
It is tricky to be running at pace and be in a crowd. You have to be very aware of your space. Don’t bob and weave, stay in your lane and try to find an open patch of road until things thin out a bit. One trick is to run towards the side where it tends to be thinner. I’ve found that this allows you to run off into the grass or sidewalk to avoid a jam if you have to.
My most valuable tip for you is for a specific circumstance. When you are running in a crowd at race pace many of these courses will take a sharp turn while things are still stacked up. Everyone will try to run the tangent and it gets quite dangerous.
First, if you have scoped out the course you will know where the turns are and be able to preposition yourself to have the inside position on the tangent. When you go into the turn talk to the people around you. “Heads up”, “Take it easy” etc. just by doing that you will create a bubble. While you are doing it hold your elbows out a little to create a wider space and keep from being tangled in the legs. Not to push or elbow the other competitors, just to set up bumpers so that if someone veers into your space you can catch them with your arms before you get tangled.
There you go, that’s some advanced road racing tactics for you! Keep it safe out there.
Chris Russell lives and trains in suburban Massachusetts with his family and Border collie Buddy. Chris is the author of “The Mid-Packer’s Lament”, and “The Mid-Packer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, short stories on running, racing, and the human comedy of the mid-pack. Chris writes the Runnerati Blog at www.runnerati.com. Chris’ Podcast, RunRunLive is available on iTunes and at www.runrunlive.com. Chris also writes for CoolRunning.com (Active.com) and is a member of the Squannacook River Runners and the Goon Squad.
Email me at cyktrussell at Gmail dot com
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