The purpose: to finish the San Silvestre Vallecana
This year does not happen, I have it clear. The plan? Say goodbye to 2017 giving it all through the streets of Madrid at the stroke of a stride. Countdown of a novice runner – myself! – to reach the goal of the ** San Silvestre Vallecana **. Ten kilometers through the heart of the capital to fill up on what is already known as the San Silvestre hormone… Yes #vallecanasolohayuna , let's check it out!
I have been watching December 31 on television for several, sitting comfortably at home, how much fun the participants have of what is the most populous ten-kilometre race in Spain. The most passionate say that of the world ! What would it be like to say goodbye to the year between friends, with a good atmosphere that goes beyond screens, music and costumes and with Madrid putting on the asphalt ? This year does not happen that I can answer this question.
And it is that I have finally decided to try the San Silvestre Vallecana experience, a sporting event that has become an end of the year tradition as celebrated as drinking grapes in Puerta del Sol. More than 40,000 people participated in 2016 in the popular race, and in this 2017 everything seems to indicate that the number of participants will increase. In full fever for running, there are more and more of us who get hooked on this endorphins and it is said, it is commented, that in the San Silvestre they distribute and there is for everyone …
What is it about this competition that makes it so special ? Vicente Ubeda Pitarch , sports coach, he knows a lot about her and is clear about it: “ The atmosphere is totally different to that of other similar ones. First, because, being New Year's Eve, people already come with party mood and desire to celebrate. On the other hand, for the great tradition that this event encloses, which has brought sport closer to all kinds of people, both young and old, ”he explains. It should be noted, yes, the 'buenorollismo' between the participants, and the constant animation that we meet throughout the entire route, with live music, DJs and a large influx of people who go encouraging the staff.
And it is that, as its slogan says, #VallecanaSoloHayUna. This December 31 at 5:30 p.m., the starting gun to the 53rd edition of an 'invention' that came out of some beers among friends at the Bella Luz bar, on Calle Monte Igueldo del Puente de Vallecas. Antonio Sabugueiro, one of the creators of it, recalled a few weeks ago at the presentation of the race that they never thought to get here: "It's quite a pride ”.
So let's pick up the baton and finalize preparations, because Madrid awaits us at 3, 2, 1... WE GO!
COUNTDOWN: ONE MONTH TO SET UP
Just 30 days until the big moment arrives. How to face those ten kilometers? For some I'm sure that's a piece of cake, but for others, like me, it doesn't hurt to take into account a series of tips to get to the finish line without running out of air. The first thing that Vicente Úbeda recommends is no hurry and "not train more because the race is closer. You have to respect the principle of progression, and carry out training sessions that are Within our possibilities ”.
Those who currently manage to run some six or eight kilometers, at least three days per week, they will have no problems for the ten from San Silvestre, according to the coach. And if you don't reach that mark, don't worry, we're on time: "Start with three or four and climb a kilometer every week, alternating shorter and more intense workouts with longer and softer days”, explains Úbeda.
Ramon Curto , a personal trainer specializing in running, adds that it is important combine race training properly speaking with that of force, "with cardiovascular exercise ", in such a way that a balance of 50%-50% is achieved. "It is the only way to move forward so that the body does not adapt to the same ”, he points out.
The feeding is another of the keys to crossing the finish line in Vallecas, and it can be a plus in "Performance facing the competition". Curto proposes changing the type of food we eat four or five days before and do what he calls the “race of carbohydrates ” for more power. “Pasta, rice, couscous, potatoes and sweet potatoes, among others; instead of protein or fat, switch to this type of food, but of course, without going overboard either! ”, Specifies the expert.
Training for San Silvestre
THE BIG DAY COMES: DECEMBER 31, 2017
between training, balance diet and search for ideal complement -don't forget to blend in with the environment, nothing that a pair of reindeer ears or a Santa Claus hat won't solve–, D-Day is here. The San Silvestre is here!
How to put the lace of gold to this training plan? What could be done to improve our result in the race? ok now the important thing is to participate and not win, but he doesn't want one snapping at his heels either. broom car *, No? Well that...
Thus, for the last hours prior to this #SanSilvestreSoloHayUna we entrust ourselves to the final recommendations of Albert Lazarus , personal trainer and club manager at Fitness La Elipa:
1.“Take a Good breakfast to get energy and a light meal about three hours before the competition”.
2."Better use the public transport, because that day there are many streets closed”. Go with time: calculate, at least, 30 minutes of margin to situate yourself.
3. Choose clothes made of breathable material, never cotton. Carries several layers that allow you to "take off your clothes to maintain a comfortable temperature". The use of gloves and a hat is recommended.
Four. hydrate well the previous hours.
5.It is essential “a good heating prior to warm up”, at a smooth and constant pace.
6.And at the time of departure… “¡ control your enthusiasm and your nerves!” In addition, “with so many people, it is likely that the first part will touch you make it walk ”, warns the professional.
Then ready for beat records, No? One last piece of advice via Ángel, from @contadordekm , that carries since 2011 saying goodbye to the year in tights and sports : Go dosing forces and “not compete hard”. He explains to me, via tweet, that " the last two kilometers are uphill . The profile is very favorable for the top eight”. In short, what is involved here is have fun with friends, with the rest of the participants and with the public, that in "the ascent of the Albufera avenue makes you feel important ”.
Once at the goal, “Hydrate yourself well and stretch thoroughly” , sentence Alberto Lázaro. Listen, cook... We'll see you on the streets!
*For the newbies of the newbies, a little clarification. The 'broom car' is the vehicle that usually closes sports competitions and marks the end of the event. Its mission is to indicate to the attending public that there are no more runners to pass.