April Fool's Run registrations have nearly reached the 400 mark, with 343 individual entrants and 50 relay participants signed up as of March 15.
Demographics now include one entrant from Quebec, a dozen from Alberta and a handful from California. Expect a flood of runners on the highway and Lower Road/Beach Avenue on March 28. Drivers please be cautious and avoid hitting the traffic cones, which will mark the route.
A few volunteer positions are still available. For a free T-shirt and brunch and a chance to win prizes, please call Teresa at 604-886-7786 by March 25.
A reminder that on-line registration closes at midnight March 23. Entries can be dropped off at the Medicine Shoppe until March 26. After that, late registration and package pickup is at the Cedars Inn in Gibsons from 3 to 5 p.m. on March 27 and 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. on race morning at Gibsons Park Plaza, unit #119 (far corner).
For those who are running, remember to take it easy in the final week of training - now is definitely not the time to cram in extra miles or workouts. Reducing workload before a competition is called tapering and is most important for the longer-distance events. As the week progresses, cut back your mileage, and instead do a few short relaxed intervals that don't leave you tired.
For example, start with six by one minutes at the beginning of the week (along with an easy warm-up and cool-down), then four mid-week, then two on Friday. You will be feeling refreshed and raring to go for the race.
A few last minute tips: get lots of sleep two nights before the race (don't stress if you don't sleep well the night before); drink plenty of water in the last couple of days; eat a high-carbohydrate meal the evening before (complex carbs!); don't wear brand new shoes; double-knot your laces; eat a light breakfast on race day; don't try anything new for race day; dress a bit lighter than for training; do the first mile slower than your intended average pace; and most important - loosen up, relax and enjoy your run.
