Tips for the Big Rig Run, TSG Walk

So you’re going to do the Big Rig Run in Dallas!

Here is some practical advice for you to consider before you lace up your running shoes as well as the layout of the event itself.

It’s Dallas. It’s August. It will be hot. Hydration is key. The 5K is on Friday. The convention begins on Thursday. Is it a social event masquerading as a business convention or vice versa? I don’t know. Either way, it has an effect. Try to cut down on your walking or running on Thursday. Going out with associates Thursday night? Moderate. Don’t overeat. If you are going to imbibe, stick to beer and only have one or two. Alcohol is a dehydrant. Overdo, and you will pay for it on Friday. Go back to your room and get sleep.

Substitute a bottle of water for your coffee. Coffee is also a dehydrant. Eat your routine breakfast, leaving out heavily fatty items such as butter and cream. However, race day is the wrong day to experiment. If you normally eat a bowl of cereal, then eat a bowl of cereal. You don’t need to absorb extra calories on race day. That does not mean skip breakfast. If you don’t eat something, it will affect your energy level.

You’re at the race now. Socialize. Ask people how fast they plan on running. Line up with people who are planning on running or walking at your pace. It makes for a smoother race. This is an out-and-back run/walk. It starts up a steep hill. Consider walking or jogging up it. There is a water stop at about the 1-mile marker, and you will hit it again on the way back. The nicest thing about an out-and-back run that starts up a hill is that it finishes downhill. If you can get yourself to the 3-mile marker, the rest will take care of itself.

The coolest thing about this event is the people. It is an opportunity to met people from different parts of the industry. A CEO can learn about driver retention from a driver. A driver can learn about customer relations from a CEO. You get the idea. Use the race as a social event or business convention. Never forget that the most important thing is to have fun while being healthy.

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To register for the 5K Big Rig Run, visit www.bigrigrun.com. Whether you’re a trucker, a runner — or both — join us at Dallas’ Katy Train on Aug. 26 at 7 a.m. as we support a healthier trucking lifestyle. Experienced runners will be on site to give tips and encouragement. Walkers are welcome, too. A portion of the $15 entry fee will benefit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Also, don’t miss the Trucking Solutions Group 1.5-mile Health Awareness Walk, held inside the Dallas Convention Center at 8 a.m. Aug. 27. Visit the TSG website at www.truckingsolutionsgroup.org and on Facebook.

Jeff Clark is an eight-time marathon finisher, a trucker and regular columnist for Truckers News’ Fit for the Road department.