parkrun

Lucozade Sport Scientist, Gareth Nicholas shares his Top Tips

Running means something to everything, regardless of your ability or goal. Having run countless parkruns myself, I know that by following a few simple rules you can make great steps towards a perfect race.

1. Start drinking as soon as you wake up
   

   To make sure you’re adequately hydrated before the race starts – water or Lucozade Sport Lite are ideal.

2. Wear the appropriate clothing
   

   With UK weather being dramatically variable, be prepared for rain, hale or wind.

3. Have a light breakfast, predominantly carbohydrate based
   

   This will ensure that you are fuelled for the run – if you can’t stomach breakfast an energy bar or sports drink should be fine.

4. Get to the start in good time
   

   So that you feel relaxed and ready to run.

5. Rehydrate and refuel as soon as possible after the race
   

   This is the 'window of opportunity'; use good nutrition to help your recovery.

6. Don’t forget to get your barcode scanned
   

   Otherwise it won’t count.

Of course there is an alternative to this if you are perhaps out that little too late on Friday night or push the snooze button one too many times on Saturday morning! You just need to choose the right strategy that works for you.

Irrespective of the tips you use, have a great run and start the weekend off as you mean to go on – don’t forget we’re at loads of parkruns up and down the country so make sure that you check out our parkrun page (to link to tab three) to find your next visit.