February Q & A: Getting Chicked and Racing in the Cold

I recently heard the term “getting chicked” at a race and I wanted to know what it means and if it is an acceptable term to use?

A quick visit to the Urban Dictionary will tell you that “getting chicked” is when a male is passed or loses to a female in a competitive event.

Now on to whether or not it is an acceptable term to use. While you are not going to find traces of the term in the Oxford English Dictionary, there has been an entire company built around the phrase that sells performance gear that boasts that “You’ve Been Chicked.” This is a company that was created by women, for women and clearly accepted by them as a source of pride.

While I do not find the term inappropriate, you may want to proceed with caution when using it widely in your circles because it could potentially be offensive to some, especially if you don’t know them.

I’m opening up the floor for this one, what are your thoughts on using the phrase?

@LukeEhgoetz @RunWaterloo "Chicked it" 44:57, 8 mile tune up. Gr8 job, runners! @kenyankids Harvest Half. pic.twitter.com/aLSd0SMnlM

— Krista DuChene (@kristaduchene) February 23, 2014

I’m running my first winter race at the Re-fridgee-eighter. What should I expect for a race in the cold? 

One thing to remember when you are running in cold weather is to bring throw away clothes to the starting line. You want to stay as warm as possible until the start of the race, so be sure to wear an old sweatshirt over your racing outfit for extra warmth.

Another hint is to make sure that you are drinking lots of fluids. It is easy to forget that you are losing hydration in the winter, because you will not sweat as profusely as the summertime, but make sure you are consuming 400 mL or more for each hour of racing.

Before the race, do a warm-up to make sure you are not beginning the race with cold muscles and change out of wet, cold race clothing as soon as possible following the race.

Good luck and see you at the race!

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