Get Your Run On!

Sorry folks, there’s really no excuse this month to not get your exercise in. With two local fun runs approaching, you’ll find it hard to say no.

The first event coming up is the second-annual Red Barn Run, nestled inland, along one of the most beautiful valleys on the central coast. Scheduled for Sunday morning at Casa de Fruta in Hollister, this relatively flat 5k and 10k course (for walkers and runners) consists of paved roads and dirt trails. Be prepared to enjoy the beautiful scenery, while taking in the clean fresh country air.

After crossing the finish-line, hang out and enjoy the post-race BBQ lunch while sipping on a cold glass of water or, better yet, an ice-cold beer! Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division as well as the overall male and female winner. All participants receive a free 10-minute leg massage and a souvenir T-shirt.

Proceeds from the Red Barn Run benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

For more information, go to Red Barn Run.

Can’t make it to the Red Barn Run? Then, get out your running shoes and join hundreds of participants for this year’s Mushroom Mardi Gras 10k and 5k Fun Run and Walk to be held on May 28 in Morgan Hill.

Walkers and runners are encouraged to participate in this scenic race, which begins and ends at the Coyote Creek Bike Path and provides a flat and fast out-and-back course that is quite beautiful this time of year.

After the race, relax and refuel with bananas, water and snacks, provided by the event. In addition, awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, and participants will receive a Mushroom Mardi Gras souvenir T-shirt (while supplies last).

The Mushroom Mardi Gras Fun Run is sponsored by the Live Oak Athletic Boosters, benefiting all sports at Live Oak High School.

For more information, go to Mushroom Mardi Gras

Be sure to follow my pre-race day tips to ensure you get to the finish-line with a smile on your face!

1. Hydrate well on the days leading up to the race, preferably with water, as sports drinks contain too much sugar.

2. Eat a well-balanced meal the evening before the run, such as a bowl of pasta with chicken and marinara sauce.

3. Make sure you get seven-eight hours of sleep the night before the race.

4. Avoid alcohol the evening before race morning. Alcohol will dehydrate you and make running difficult.

5. On race morning, wake up three hours before the start of the race and eat a light snack that is easily digestible, such as toast, cereal or a banana. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a 400-500 calorie meal about three hours pre-exercise. Follow your pre-race meal with eight ounces of water.

6. Two hours pre-race, drink a watered-down sports drink for its potassium and sodium content.

7. Wear comfortable shoes that accompanied you through your training runs. New shoes may result in unwanted, painful blisters during the run.

8. Make one final potty stop about 20-30 minutes before the starting time of the race.

9. Get to the starting line early (at least 15 minutes). There’s nothing worse that starting a race after it’s started!

10. Relax and enjoy the whole experience!