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Eastside 10k

Under Armour Ambassadors Give Eastside 10K Training Tips

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With the Under Armour Eastside 10K just over a month away, you’ll want to do some planning to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be. Under Armour ambassadors shared with us some of their best tips for race day.

Nutrition

When it comes to the food that fuels you, you’ll want to avoid trying to level up the night before with a new nutrient-rich meal thinking you need a “healthy” boost for the next day. Eating something untested pre-race is a gamble no runner should make.

What should you do instead? Run Coach, Stéphane Hetherington, suggests testing meals as part of your training ahead of time so, that come race day you already know what works. Think of pre-race food as fuel, not nutrition, and go with what leaves you feeling satisfied and energized time and again.

“After years of experimentation, my pre-race meal evolved into one (1) Little Caesar’s Hot n’ Ready Cheese Pizza or if I raced in the morning, I’d have frosted mini wheats with skim milk. Pretty fancy huh? Oh, and time your meal based on your last bite, not the first,” he goes on to say.

Training

“Whether you’re aiming for a time, a place, to finish or something else, use that goal to structure your entire program,” Stephane suggests. He stresses that being realistic about how much time and energy you have for training is important – consistency or lack thereof can make or break your development.

Dr. Mitch Broser emphasizes the importance of including exercises in your warmup that prepare your joints for running. “A mobility routine that takes your spine, hips, knees, and ankles through their full range of motion will help not only prime your joints for optimal performance but reduce your risk of injury.”

Personal Trainer, Kevin Yeboah, suggests adding in weight training in between running days. Start off with three days a week, with different focuses each day. One day for your upper body, one for your lower, and one for a full body routine. The trick is to keep your weights light and your reps high! He recommends wearing training shoes like the UA Project Rock 4 for gym sessions so that you can maximize ground contact and get superior stability.

Motivation

“If we don’t believe we can reach our goal, we likely won’t,” says runner Sylvie Manaigre. “Positive self-talk and mindset are key.” Be sure to write out your goals to maintain your accountability and see your progress over time. Check out Under Armour’s Flow Velociti Wind 2 running shoes, which digitally connect to MapMyRun, an app that helps you track your running metrics. These shoes are rubberless making them lightweight while maximizing breathability. The outsole is super-durable, increasing ground traction to give you the kind of speed that feels like you have the wind at your back.

Show us how you’re applying these training tips on Instagram and be sure to tag @underarmourca and use the hashtag #UAEastside10K.

Cancellation Announcement for the Under Armour Vancouver Eastside 10K

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We want to thank you for your ongoing support and for being an important part of the Canada Running Series family.

We have made the difficult decision to cancel the Under Armour Eastside 10K. The safety of our running community is our top priority and we know this is the only solution until we can run together safely again.

We know how important it is to stay motivated and active and we are excited to continue supporting our participants and charity partners through the launch of the Under Armour Eastside 10K Virtual Race!

For those who are already registered, please check your inboxes for new options regarding your registration. If you are not yet registered, online registration for the Virtual Race will open on July 7th. If you have any questions please take a look at our FAQs page or email crswest@canadarunningseries.com.

Race Day Tips for #UAeastside10k

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Every year we’re joined by hundreds of new runners at the Under Armour Eastside 10k. We’ve taken some tips from the seasoned runners out there and come up with the ABC’s of how to set yourself up for a great race – both before and after the event.

While this guide is primarily aimed at new runners, it’s always good to refresh your memory even if you’ve been racing for decades! Also be sure to check out our Race Etiquette Page.

Before the Race

A – Know where you need to be and when

This may seem obvious, but it’s so often overlooked. You can save yourself a lot of stress on Race Day (and the days leading up to it) by knowing where to go and when. This includes knowing where to pick up your race package and bib number in the days leading up to the race, as well as how to get to the start line.

  • Package Pickup – ALL participants must pick up their race package and bib number at Package Pickup before Race Day. Package Pickup is located at Sport Chek on Robson Street — 788 Robson Street (Robson @ Howe) and is open on Thursday (Sept 12) and Friday (Sept 13) from 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday September 14th in the Woodwards Atrium from 7am-8am. More details here.
  • Start Line – The run will start and finish on Cordova Street, near the Woodward’s Development. Your best way to get to the Start Area is to take public transit. To plan your trip, click here and select your starting location then choose Transit direction. Woodward’s is a short walk from either Waterfront Station or Stadium Skytrain Station. The second best way to get there is to bike, as BEST will be providing a complimentary and secure Bike Valet right beside the Start/Finish Line. A reminder that road closures will be in effect for the event, so please leave extra travel time. Recommended routes into Downtown are Hastings Street, Georgia Street, and Cambie Street Bridge. Driving to the start line? The easiest access/parking option is to take Cambie Street northbound to Cordova, then turn right to access the parking garage off of Cordova Street. Note that this access route is only possible until 8:15am, after which Cordova Street will be fully closed for the start of the race. If you are dropping someone off, please do so on Hastings Street.For full road closures details click here.

B – Don’t do anything new! We mean it!

A common mistake is to try something new just before or on Race Day. This could be anything from wearing a new pair of shoes during the run to changing up your diet the day before. If you typically eat a simple pasta the night before your training runs, don’t try out that new sushi place around the corner on Friday night. If you don’t usually have coffee before your training runs, don’t go for a double espresso on Race Day morning. Stick with what works for you – from your meals to your running clothes to your morning routine.

C – Start in the right corral

What’s a corral? In order to give everyone their best experience on Race Day, runners are typically assigned into a corral based on their predicted finish time. At the #UAeastside10k all runners will self-assign themselves to a estimated finish time.  Speedsters can start at the front of the pack while walkers start further back. Please be respectful of other runners and line up according to your expected finish time, and be honest in your approximations. Please also be mindful of other runners who may need to pass you on course.  Keep in mind the race start closes 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.  Make sure you arrive on time.

Corral colour Est. finish time Start time
Black Elites  8:30am
RedRed Corral < 50min   8:30am
Yellow CorralYellow 50–59min   8:30am
BlueBlue Corral 60–79min   8:30am
GreenGreen Corral 80min +   8:30am

Corral details for the race here.

BONUS – use our Gear Check to store a bag of warm, dry (and less-sweaty) clothes for after the race. Your $2 donation will go to our Featured Charities.


During the Race

A – Make sure your bib number is on your front and visible

We use a bib-tag timing system, which means your timing chip is embedded in your bib number. In order for it to work properly and have your time recorded:

  • Do not remove the “bibTag” or foam spacer from your bib.
  • Do not fold your bib or excessively bend or twist the “bibTag”.
  • Wear your bib on your chest/abdomen. Do not wear on your back, side, leg or arm.
  • Do not cover your bib with clothing – always make sure it is completely visible.
  • Make sure you cross over the timing mat at both the Start Line and the Finish Line.
    ***Start Line will CLOSE 10min AFTER THE SCHEDULED START TIME ***

B – Start slow and stay even

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Race Day and start out too fast. Do the opposite – start a little slower than your normal pace and gradually pick up your pace over the first kilometre. After that, try to keep an even pace throughout the race and save your extra energy for the final push to the Finish Line!

C – Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings

No one knows what the weather will be in September, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. If it’s hot, bring your own water, but we’ll also have three aid stations on course, serving up both water and Nuun Hydration. If you are using one of the aid stations:

  • When approaching a hydration station, move to the side of the road, grab your fluid/nutritional needs and keep moving. There will be multiple hydration tables so if the first table is busy KEEP MOVING.
  • There will be water refill stations for those runners carrying their own bottles.
  • Throw your used cup to the side of the road as close to the hydration station as possible, ideally in one of the marked bins. Drop your cup down by your waist so you don’t hit/splash another participant. Please don’t litter on the course after passing the last aid station garbage bin.
  • If you plan to stop at the aid station, move past the tables and pull off to the side of the road.
  • Say thank you to the volunteers!

After the Race

A – Keep moving

Collect your medal as you cross the Finish Line, then keep moving through the chute until you get to the Post-Race Recovery Area. Keep moving for at least 10 more minutes afterwards to gradually bring your heart rate down and help your legs flush out that lactic acid (this will prevent you from being stiff tomorrow).

B – Refuel and rehydrate

Right after the finish line we’ll have water and Nuun for you to rehydrate with. Grab a cup and keep walking – there will be more in the Post-Race Recovery Area. A variety of snacks will be available in the Recovery Area, including bananas, Larabars, juice, and yogurt. The carbs will help replenish your energy stores while a bit of protein will help rebuild your muscles. Make sure you eat something within 30 minutes of crossing the line.

There will also be an Under Armour stretching station after the Finish Line, so you’ll have a designated area to do a proper cool-down and post-race stretch!

C – Get warm and enjoy the Finish Area

After you’ve fuelled up, stop by Gear Check to collect your spare clothes. Even on a sunny day, your core temperature will drop fast once you stop moving, especially when you’re still wearing sweaty clothes.

Post-race brunch is always key. There are many excellent restaurants in the area, including some of our favourites: the Alibi Room, Belgard Kitchen, Local, The Birds & the Beets, Catch 122, Jam & Deacon’s Corner.

Congratulations! Now it’s time to start planning your next race – registration for the 2020 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is now open!

Your Race Day Essentials for the Under Armour Eastside 10K

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It’s almost the end of summer but you still have time to crush some PBs! We’re days away from the Under Armour Eastside 10K and if you’re feeling less than ready, set, go, check out the rundown below for all your race needs:

Look good, feel good:

If you’re looking for a way to smash last year’s race time, look to the UA RUSH product line by our sponsor Under Armour. The mineral infused fabric absorbs your body heat and converts it into infrared energy that is re-emitted back into the body. This recycled energy promotes improved performance, energy and recovery, giving you that extra edge over the other runners. Since we haven’t had the best conditions in past years, be sure to plan for any type of weather and bring your rain jacket. If mother nature is on our side, be sure to wear a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Pics or it didn’t happen:

Do it for the ‘gram! Setting your PB in a 10K and even just finishing a 10K is a major accomplishment. What better way to boast about your success than to share photos on social media? Use #UAEastside10K to share your before, during, and after race pictures. Not only are we excited to see the run from your perspective, but we want you to show the world why the Under Armour Eastside 10K is the best run in Vancouver.

Who you are supporting:

The Under Armour Eastside 10K proudly supports the Vancouver community by supporting three local charities – The Downtown Eastside Women’s CentrePHS Community Services Society and YouthCo. Last year we were so proud to raise over $29,000. Let’s keep it rolling!

Now you’re race ready. See you at the starting line!

UA Eastside 10K Training Plan

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Have you started preparing for the Under Armour Eastside 10K? To get ready for race day, all you need is eight weeks and the drive to run faster and stronger than before.  To make sure you’re optimizing your training, our friends at MapMyRun have put together a well-structured training plan to set you up for success.

The 8-week training plan maps out how far you should be running each day, how to incorporate strength and mobility exercises into your routine, and how to make sure you are getting enough rest and recovery.

There are 4 parts to the program: Strength, Movement and Mobility, Running and Endurance, and Recovery. Here is how it works:

Strength: The strength program is designed to meet the demands of a runner who is looking to get a more competitive edge. It isn’t designed to build muscle, but rather enhance your stability and mobility to run stronger.

Movement and Mobility: This routine will prepare your body for running by increasing mobility at the ankles, hips and T-spine.  It will also activate your body for the twice weekly strength sessions.

 

Running and Endurance: The running program is built for beginner and intermediate-level runners. You will be introduced to tempo running, fast hill repeats and long slow runs, as well as understanding the discipline of recovery runs.

Rest and Recovery: This routine is based on Under Armour’s belief that today’s recovery is tomorrow’s training. It is essential to attempt to restore movement quality after a run and the program is designed to hit the areas of the body that need the most attention.  Under Armour has a line of recovery apparel with technology that returns infrared energy to your body, boosting localized blood flow and increasing the amount of oxygen reaching your muscles to restore your muscles faster.  The recovery apparel is available in track suits and sleepwear.

Under Armour is giving Eastside participants a free 3-month trial of the MapMyRun premium membership.  Use the code EASTSIDE2019 to activate your trial.

Register now for the Under Armour Eastside 10K on September 14.

Advantages to Rest and Recover

By | Eastside 10k, General, Nutrition, Run Gear | No Comments

Why you need to think about rest and recovery this race season

This time of year, many runners are planning out their race schedule, setting goals and choosing the right training plan.  Building rest days and recovery into your plan are just as important to the process as the runs and gym sessions. Rest and recovery are necessary for muscles to repair, rebuild and strengthen so that you can reach your potential as an athlete.

Under Armour, the title sponsor for Eastside 10K, has introduced new apparel technology, scientifically designed to enhance performance and recovery to give athletes an edge over the competition. The new product called UA RUSH, is made with mineral infused fabric technology that, when activated by body heat, transfers the energy back into the body, resulting in improved blood flow and circulation. The product is designed to be worn at the time of sweat and promote improved performance, energy and recovery.  When worn, UA RUSH stimulates increased endurance and strength.  If you’re looking for an edge this race season, UA RUSH apparel may be something you want to try. It comes in men’s and women’s fitted tees, long-sleeved shirts, leggings, tights and sports bras for women.UA RUSH is something athletes can wear both in training leading up to race day and also during the race.

If you give UA RUSH a try, we’d love to see how it boosts your performance. Share your Under Armour Eastside 10K training photos on Instagram using #UAEastside10K.

Registration is now open for the Under Armour Eastside 10K. Sign up now!