Racing and Pacing in Alaska’s Best Races
Just like that, it feels like racing season is upon us here in Alaska! There are lots of great events to choose from on the roads, to the trails, and up the steepest peaks we are lucky to have in our backyard! I have experience in many of the most popular races across disciplines in southcentral Alaska, so I thought I’d offer some of my best training and racing tips, lessons learned from a few of them.
Skinny Raven Twilight 12k
One of the most attended races of the summer, Skinny Raven knows how to throw a party with this awesome course through downtown Anchorage and the Government Hill neighborhood. Like many Anchorage road races, the course doesn’t spare you from its fair share of hills! My tips for racing the course:
- It’s okay to get caught up in a bit of adrenaline in the first mile, but try to tone it down by the time you’re cruising across the bridge toward Government Hill. You want to feel strong and controlled up that gradual but long hill – it’s early in the race here! You’ll get another gradual but cruel climb back over the bridge toward downtown. The Coastal Trail provides a great chance to enjoy the views before you face the dreaded U Street hill! Yes, it’s steep! But it’s short, and once you get to the top, the finish line party is within sight!
- Training Essentials: Short speed work, strides, and foundational strength training
Mayor’s Marathon Weekend
Admittedly I have not raced any Mayor’s Marathon events (yet!) but I do have experience around big, multi-race events and experience racing on much of the course. A few tips:
- Mayor’s is a large event and weekend which makes the racing atmosphere very exciting! But, the buzz of activity can also make the environment overwhelming, especially in the days or moments before the race. My advice is you’re racing over Mayor’s weekend? Go to the expo and get your bib, but don’t get too caught up in the pre-race hype and overextend yourself.
- Check the weather forecast! Don’t underestimate how warm a sunny, 60 degree day can feel in Anchorage. Even in mid 40s to 50 degrees, you will warm up. Don’t overdress or overpack layers you won’t need! Also, don’t rely strictly on aid station water out of small dixie cups. You likely need more than that to meet your fluid and electrolyte needs! A hydration pack or handheld water bottles are a great way to pack the hydration you need.
- Training Essentials: Short speed work, marathon pace work, strides, and foundational strength training.
Bird Ridge Race
One of the highlights of the Alaska Mountain Runners Grand Prix circuit, The Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb (Bird Ridge) is a classic that takes place every year on Father’s Day. The race is uphill only, meaning you’ll cross the finish line after a grueling climb over 3,000 feet above Turnagain Arm. Tips for racing (and pacing!) Bird Ridge:
- Start conservatively! The climb is long and steep, and being able to run strong during the second half of the race is key! I’d recommend keeping your effort controlled and somewhat comfortable (but noticeably harder than if you were just out for an easy run or hike!) until you reach the halfway point at Jack’s Bench. From there, start to push!
- You may be able to run more than you think! Bird Ridge is steep, but there are actually short pitches throughout the climb that are more gradual. If you can get into a run over those short areas, your overall time will be so much faster! Tread those gradual sections as an opportunity to switch form into a run, rather than an opportunity for a break.
- Training Essentials: Steep, short hill intervals, strides, and single leg/eccentric strength training.