We are two days away from the inaugural Relentless Race! We checked in with some of our runners to see how they feel about this weekend, how training went, and their top tips for race day.
Senior IT support engineer Chris Pawel will be running his first 10K. He trained by running two 5K’s during the week and a 10K each weekend leading up to the race. He feels ready to crush this new challenge.
Field recruiter Sam Leslein and SI specialist and field recruiter Jordan Kilby faced a few challenges throughout training but are ready and excited to run their first half marathon. Training started strong, but a few injuries caused a setback. In true Connor Group fashion, those setbacks did not define them; they treated their injuries and are ready to crush goals and see their hard work pay off!
VP investor relations Ben Cotton has participated in 10 plus half marathons and says he is “as ready as he’ll ever be.” For the last six months, Ben made it his mission to run 8-12 miles every Friday or Saturday morning, no matter the weather or how much fun he had the night before.
VP of accounting, Sarah Burns, will be running her second half marathon in six years. Her training plan was simple, three runs per week with a long run each weekend. Her goal is to shave 26 minutes from her previous half marathon time.
SEO Specialist Ross Johnson is participating in his first organized 10K. “I feel ready,” Ross said. “I’m not as prepared as I would like to be, but as long as I finish and don’t injure myself, I’ll consider it a success.” His training plan was simple- to run. He and his wife started waking up at 4:30 a.m. and running before work three to four days a week, gradually increasing his pace and distance each run.
Partner and OneSite manager, Ben Little, thought long-term and began training 20 weeks ago. He wanted to give himself plenty of time to build productive miles, with three to four runs per week, each focusing on a different aspect of the race: speed, hill running, and mileage. After his 20-week training plan, Ben feels ready and excited for Saturday’s race.
The top 10 pieces of advice for race day:
- Don’t wear brand new shoes!
- Prep a killer song list to keep you going.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and allow faster runners to pass. No one making great time wants to maneuver around others.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Lay your clothing and gear out the night before.
- Fuel your body – eat low fat, high carbohydrate, medium protein meal that night.
- Use the restroom before starting the race.
- Stretch! Nothing kills your pace and momentum more than an ill-timed cramp.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Run your race at your pace and have fun! Completing your race is a result of your hard work and training.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7 in person or virtually
- 5:45 a.m. – Full marathon
- 8:00 a.m.- Half marathon
- 9:00 a.m. (3 waves)– 10K and 5K
- Wave 1: 9:00 a.m. 10K runners
- Wave 2: 9:05 a.m. 5K experienced runners (sub 10-minute mile)
- Wave 3: 9:10 a.m. 5K joggers/walkers
*Please arrive at the start line five minutes before the race with your bib*
*30 minutes before each length begins, there will be a MANDATORY course briefing in the CSO atrium*
Where: Starting at the Central Support Office (virtual runners use the IYR Virtual app, free in the Apple app store and Google Play, to track run)
Important Notes:
- Shirts will be passed out at check in and metals will be passed out at the finish line.
- Post-race snacks and refreshments will be available in the CSO atrium.
- Justina Sanford, owner of Ignite Yoga in Centerville, Ohio, will be doing post-race stretching starting at 10 a.m. at the CSO. As a bonus, anyone who stretches will also get a free pass for a class.
Are you ready?