Okay, you've run about 2.5 miles and now have just over a half mile to go to finish this 5k race. You have run up and down hills, over trails, through mud, and fought off runners trying to pass you. Now you simply have to FINISH. Of course, you not only want to simply finish the race, but to fly down the homestretch in a massive kick while passing tons of runners. Here are some pointers about how to make this a reality.
Finishing Strong
Hopefully you've been able to pace yourself well and at least have a little energy left for a strong kick. Here are some tips on how to initiate the kick.
- Maintain your form! It's hard, but you've got to maintain a solid form at the end of a race. You head should be looking straight ahead and focused directly on the finish line. The reason that your eyes need to be up is to ensure that you take the most direct line to the chute. Additionally, Your arms should be relaxed, but swinging vigorously to generate speed. You should also begin to lift your knees higher, and push harder off your feet like you were running up a hill.
- Control your breathing! It's hard enough to control your breathing when you're running at race pace, but it's even harder when you start sprinting. If you feel yourself start to hyperventalate try to get control. The better you can breath, the more oxygen your muscles will have.
- Stay relaxed! Once again, that word "relaxed" is mentioned when talking about racing. If you can relax during the start of a race, during the race, and at the end, it will be so much easier for you.
It happens to the best of us. Sometimes we go out to fast, and suffer the consequence, oxygen debt. Oxygen debt sets in when you run so fast that your body can not pump enough oxygen to your legs. This will immediately slow you down, and cause a lot of pain. You probably won't have enough energy to kick. The only way to counteract energy debt is to:
- Slow down!
- Get you breathing under control!
- Relax!
- And stagger on in!
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