Tools for Race Day
Getting excited?
In just a few weeks it will be time for the #BlackskyFitness Spring 5K and Mile Walk & Fun Run. Getting ready for race day is exciting, even more so if it’s your first event. You’ve planned your workouts and may even know what gear you’re going to wear on the day of, but a virtual event means one extra task: you're in charge of the course. No cones, no volunteers on the course, no finish-line banner — just you, a planned route, and a way to track your effort. There are a couple of free tools available (that you may already have) that can make planning your course and keeping time easy.
Step One: Plan your route
Before race day, you'll need a course that's either 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) or one mile, based on the event you signed up for. You won’t have to worry about going too far or not going far enough. These tools let you draw your route on a map and confirm the distance before you ever step outside.
On the Go Map (recommended)
Head to onthegomap.com and click on the map to start building your route. The tool automatically measures your distance as you go. Continue clicking points on the map until the counter hits 1.0 mile (or 3.1 miles if you’re doing the 5K). You can create a straight line, an “out and back,” or create a loop back to the starting line (which is convenient if you’re parked a car nearby for a victory meal afterwards). On the Go Map is completely free, with no account required, and works in any browser.
Ride with GPS (alternative option)
Although it was originally built for cyclists, ridewithgps.com has solid support for running routes too. It has a few more bells and whistles features than On the Go Map, but either tool will work when it comes to planning your run.
Step Two: Record your time
On race day, you'll want to time yourself from start to finish and keep a record of your run so you can submit it on the registration website. Here's how to do it with tools that are easily available or that you may already have.
Strava (recommended)
Strava is a free app for iPhone and Android that uses your phone's GPS to track your run. When you're ready to start, tap "Record," choose "Run," and go. When you finish, hit stop — and you'll have a complete record of your time, distance, pace, and a map of your route.
Nike Run Club (alternative option)
Here's a tip. Regardless of which one you choose, download the app, create a free account, and play with it a few times before the event. That way, you won't be fumbling with setup on race day.
Apple Watch or other smartwatch (alternative option)
Already wearing a smartwatch? You're all set. Most Apple Watches and fitness watches (Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, and others) have a built-in Workout or Run mode. Start it when you begin, and end it when you cross your finish line. Your watch will record the time and distance automatically.
You're almost there. Take a few minutes this week to map your course and get your tracking app ready, and race day will be easy. Bring a friend or two with you. Registration for our event is still open, share the link with a friend.
