Victoria Mitchell, who is the returning 10km female champion of the Rebel Run.
She might be an Olympic steeplechaser, but come November Victoria Mitchell will be defending her championship in the 10-kilometre run at the Rebel Run Sydney, presented by The Sun-Herald.
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"Racing is racing, no matter what the distance," the 32-year-old, who crossed the line last year in 34 minutes and 48 seconds, said.
The Victorian athlete, who now lives in Sydney, has been racing for two decades and has represented Australia on the world stage at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
"I just love it," she said. "I love the freedom and the feeling of running and I love competing and being the best I can be in mind and body."
MITCHELL'S TIPS
- For those preparing to race, either for fun or competitively, it is important to run further than the event length "so it's not a big shock on the day".
- With just a month left before the meet, it is not too late to start training for those with "a good base fitness".
- "They've just got to increase how many times they run a week and they'll be fine if they've got that general fitness there," she said. "If they're wanting to run a [personal best] or run fast, they've got to incorporate what we call sessions, like a threshold run or interval training."
- The most important day in the lead up, she says, is two days ahead of race day, when a good sleep is crucial.
- Her advice come the big day is to wake up two or three hours ahead of the race and have a light meal. "Simple carbohydrates like a banana or honey on toast" and a coffee for regular drinkers.
- But, even with the best preparation, most will manage to push themselves a little further than usual on race day.
- "The atmosphere and the people carry you though and it's a competition, so you won't lack any motivation on the day."
- Her tip is to count down the kilometres while running because "it's easier to deal with that way".
