Run Oregon: What’s new with the Holiday Half? I mean, it’s almost September, which means it’s basically the holidays …
Foot Traffic: The next price increase for the Holiday Half will be on August 15th, but the early bird gets the worm! The first 300 registrants get a FREE pair of Freddie the Yeti gloves. You’ll be happy you have them on race day!
And did you hear the great news?? We have heard from many of you that sometimes a half marathon is a little too long and a 10K is a little too short, so we’ve added a 10-mile distance this year! We offer amazing training programs for the Holiday Half through both Foot Traffic University (which started 7/27, but we accept new members in the early weeks too!) and our ladies only Women’s Academy (beginning 9/7). Both programs will help you reach your race goals with coached, progressive training in an inclusive environment- check out our website for more details!
And if you’re looking to register a whole crew of folks, we offer group registration for 10 or more. You’ll save $5 off registration, but make sure you register before October 15th! We’d love to see you at this event on December 8th — with carolers, cookies, a photobooth with Freddie the Yeti, and an awesome post-race party, it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Run Oregon: My friend is running Hood to Coast for the first time and she is FREAKING OUT. I keep telling her what to pack but she wants a second opinion. What you got?
A Hood to Coast team from years gone by, the Streakin’ Ekins. They know how to have fun with their van decorations.
Foot Traffic: Woohoo! Relay season is the BEST! Tell her:
There’s no reason to freak out, you’re going to have an awesome time and with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to handle anything! First, make sure you’ve got everything you need for apparel and accessories- a change of clothes (including socks and technical underwear) for each leg, plus comfy clothes for in between. Don’t forget an extra pair of socks just in case!
You’ll likely need a good headlamp, reflective vest, and blinking taillights (make sure to check for your race’s specific requirements, but Hood to Coast requires all three) – we love the options we carry from Petzl, Amphipod, and Nathan! If you’re a little worried about the evening run, make sure you pick a nice, bright headlamp that has multiple beams – it’ll light your way better than the standard headlamps (stop by one of the Foot Traffic stores and we’ll help you scope one out!)
Next up, nutrition! Bring a variety of items that work well for you like gels, chews, and an electrolyte mix. We especially appreciate the Clif Shot Bloks in the Ginger Ale flavor – made with ginger oil to help soothe upset tummies. Other bonus items that will make you more comfortable – CEP compression socks for during and after the run (they’ll help you recover a little bit faster!), Oofos recovery sandals (cushy with great arch support), Trigger Point roller (to help work out the kinks!), and McDavid Cooling Towel (get it wet and it will help keep you cool in the sun!). And, of course, make sure you bring along enough food (the stuff you normally eat, don’t go crazy and bring a bunch of items that you never ever eat or your stomach will be very unhappy!).
Have fun, run hard, and enjoy the journey!
