Master the Racó de la Morera: 16 Tips for Your 16 Km Trail Run

In the midst of the Trail Running season, athletes eagerly embrace each new challenge. In this case, it's a 16K, and it's essential to be well-prepared, especially if you're new to running.

That's why our coach has designed the following tips to prepare for a mountain race. Pay attention and good luck with your challenge.

The keys:

• Try to sleep well on Friday; Saturday might be a bit harder due to anxiety and race nerves.
• On Saturday morning, do a 20-minute warm-up jog and stretches.
• Try to hydrate well the day before.
• Three days before, avoid any very intense exertion or climbing the Racó.
• Don't wear any new clothing or shoes that you plan to compete in.
• Aim for a carbohydrate-rich dinner.
• Eat breakfast early enough to digest properly (at least two hours before).
• Stay calm at the start and during the first few kilometers.
• Divide the race into three parts: the first part with your head, the second with your legs, and the third with your heart.
• Drink at all aid stations during the race in small sips and take an energy gel on the way down (if you are used to it).
• Be very clear about the maximum paces you should not exceed during the race (if you have a GPS).
• Use the downhills to catch your breath, relax your arms, and find your running rhythm again.
• Run your own race; don't get carried away by the pace of others.
• Enjoy the excellent scenery that the race offers.
• On uphill terrain, try to take shorter steps and increase your foot strike frequency.
• Enjoy every moment in races and experience crossing the finish line as the accomplishment of another challenge.

These tips apply to any trail race you've signed up for, no matter where it is.

The Racó de la Morera is an emblematic place in Elche, "lost" among the mountains north of the town. The first half of the route is uphill, and the other half is downhill, making it a somewhat deceptive race in terms of the required effort.

It's a good route to learn how to manage our energy and efforts.

This might interest you: How to leave a Half Marathon in bad shape – Be Urban Running Blog