How to prepare for a race abroad? – 02/23/2023 – On the Run

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

My answer is easy. Last week I participated in my first road race outside of Brazil. At the invitation of Asics, which took advantage of the event as a launching pad for the Nimbus 25 shoe, I ran 10 kilometers at the Media Maratón del Mar, in Cartagena, on the Colombian coast.

Runners are naturally anxious animals. It is enough to see the apprehension of the athletes just before the start of a race. Some manage to hide their nervousness. Others don’t even try anymore. The trip abroad enhances the butterflies in your stomach. It’s like the butterflies in my stomach are running a marathon that never ends. Climate, food, language. All the tourist’s delights and discoveries become potential threats to the athlete’s performance, whether professional or amateur, like me.

Before leaving for Colombia, I followed the booklet of a good journalist and looked for an expert on the subject. I spoke with Denise Amaral, an icon of street racing in Brazil. She has completed 156 marathons and is the only woman in the world to have three Majors mandalas. For those who don’t know, the mandala is a special medal awarded to runners who complete the six main marathons in the world (New York, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, London and Berlin). In November, Denise will run her 29th New York City Marathon.

Below, I’ve separated Denise’s main tips. They were very useful to me, and may help future first-timers. Let’s go to them.

take out insurance

Denise was blunt about the top priority for the runner-traveler. “Insurance is cheap, simple to take out, and can save you from trouble,” she says. She remembers that once, in Spain, her husband fell and seriously injured his quadriceps. She only found him at night, on a gurney in a local public hospital. “Only the return ticket for him would cost 8,000 euros”. Let’s face it, insurance costs a maximum of a few hundred reais. That is, it represents a negligible cost compared to the other expenses involved in the trip.

Insurance is especially important in the case of running, an activity that pushes the physical limit. Simply participating in a race naturally increases the risk of the trip and, consequently, the need for protection.

Another reason to take out insurance is that they usually cover other perrengues, such as lost luggage, for example. No one wants to stay hours or days before a race wearing the same outfit, right?

Some credit cards offer travel insurance for their customers. Before boarding, it is important to check the rules and coverage. In general, the brands require the customer to purchase the airline ticket with the card to be eligible for the benefit. Most also request that the policy be issued before the trip – although it is something simple, it requires some organization and planning by the traveler.

Take the most important thing with you

Denise says that she already had her luggage lost before the marathons in Lisbon, Berlin and London. If the race is the main reason for the trip, why risk participating in the race due to a setback? “I don’t take any more risks. I prefer to take the sneakers with me on the plane”, she says.

Arrive close to race date

In an international test, the ideal is to arrive two or three days before. “In a race on Sunday, on another continent, arrive on Thursday or Friday. That way you have time to rest, enjoy the events leading up to the race, calmly pick up your kit and have a good race”, recommends Denise .

Arrive much earlier, can you? Denise advises against it. “You will naturally want to take advantage of your free time to sightsee, walk, try different foods. And this change in routine can compromise your performance. Remember that there is room for all of this, but prefer to do it after the race”.

If even in a tight schedule there is free time for tourism, prefer activities that are not physically tiring. “I opt for tourist buses. That way I can go for a walk and, at the same time, save my legs for running”.

Be careful with food

Getting to know another country necessarily includes trying typical – and sometimes exotic – foods and spices. Take care of your digestive tract before the test. “Pasta is something you can find anywhere in the world. Save the local delights for after your run.” In addition to pasta, Denise cites bread and cheese as low-risk foods for runners, which are accessible to any athlete.

Talk to those who have already participated in the test

Leverage the knowledge of others to your advantage. “Try to find someone who has already run the race you are going to participate in. Don’t try to brave it all alone.” She remembers that there are WhatsApp groups of Brazilians who run the New York marathon, for example. “I’ve been running since before social networks appeared. Now it’s much easier to find people who have had similar experiences before you, and who can give you precious and specific tips about that event”. The exchange of information also helps to reduce anxiety, which is naturally high in any race abroad.

Try to stay close to the start

On the day of the race, the ideal is to save energy before the start. “I always try to stay close to the starting point of the race. After the race is over, we find a way to come back”, says Denise. Of course, this rule is valid if it does not compromise the budget (it is not uncommon for races to start in iconic – and expensive – places in the city) and it is even more desirable when the start and finish are at the same point.

Make the most of your trip

Traveling is expensive, and the amateur athlete does not live only by running. “The journey begins before boarding. Enjoy the planning, research, read, awaken curiosity. And, after the race is over, extend your stay as long as possible. Make the emotional and financial investment worthwhile. Not to mention that you will build beautiful memories and associate them with the act of running”.

Journalist Rodrigo Flores traveled at the invitation of Asics.