We train and train for weeks and months at a time. Everything is completely laid out for us in regards to our mileage and what type of exercise we are going to be getting in during that set time period. Yet, when race day comes, some of us still tend to freak out. Before you second guess toeing the start line, check out a few tips on how not to be a race day spaz!
1. Be Prepared
Set out everything you are going to need the night before race. And I am talking about everything – shoes, socks, energy fuel, etc. You will feel much more calm the morning of your race when you can just stand in one spot and have everything you need at your fingertips. Are you going to be racing out of town? Do this while packing, and have everything in plain sight so you can see whether or not you are missing anything.
2. Carry On
If you are racing out of town and coming in the day before the race, carry on your bag. Even though some airlines do let you check a bag for free, accidents happen, and luggage gets lost. You wouldn’t want all of your race day gear to be in Minneapolis when you are flying to Denver. It happens. Be prepared.
3. Do What You Normally Do
A lot of people completely change their routine come race week. Unless this routine involves lost of sleep and water, don’t do too many things different. Your body is used to what you have been doing the past few months. Don’t change it now, or you many not like the outcome. Eat well before every long training run, and eat a similar meal before race day. You will not be sorry.
4. Nix the sightseeing
When running races in new places, it is so easy to get caught up in everything the city has to offer. Other than hitting up the race expo the day before, stay off your feet as much as possible. Plan your trip to extend a few days after the race, rather than before. Yes, you may be a little tired walking around a city like NYC after a marathon, but wouldn’t you rather that than during 26.2? (I’ve experienced this one first hand unfortunately).
Exploring NYC the day before a marathon wasn't the best idea
5. Get some support
You know all of those times that you had to decline a happy hour, a late night out, or a beach day because you had a long run to either a) prepare for or b) recover from? Well be sure to let all of those people know you are running a marathon on the day and time of the race! I love finishing a race and seeing loads of texts, tweets, and voicemails from all of my biggest supporters! It is such a fun thing to look forward to before, during, and after the race.
6. Trust Your Training
This is by far the most important tip by far! When picking a plan before you started your training, you probably had some criteria that it had to fit in – it needed to fit in your schedule, be challenging enough you would see results, etc. So on race day, you should know that this said plan is supposed to translate in to an awesome race. Why doubt that? Trust the last 16-18 weeks of training that you have put in for this race! Give the next few hours your all, and tackle all of those miles you have trained so hard to complete!
With so many spring marathons coming up in the next few weeks and months, I know I have to remind myself of these tips as well! Don’t be a spaz, and just give the race everything you have!!
Any other tips out there? Are you a race day spaz?
Great tips. I definitely get crazy the week of a race. I go into panic mode and start questioning my sanity for having signed up for the race. I definitely agree on not changing up your routine with food, other than maybe starting to cut back on fiber (read this tip in Runner’s World).
You really second guess even signing up!? Too funny! But then I’m sure you do great!
Yep – I just start thinking “do I REALLY want to do this????” And of course I’m always glad I did.
These are great tips. The length of the race and my race goals also play a role in how much of a spaz I am before the race. I was a mess for almost 10 days before my marathon, but I am running a 10K this weekend without really thinking about it.
Good luck on your upcoming race.
Ya thats very true! I dont even think twice about anything less than a half marathon really. I eat well before 1/2′s, but I really focus on the fulls!
Great tips! I am a total spaz – but usually the night before. Nate always makes fun of me because I go a little crazy getting everything ready. He has learned to just steer clear!
lol he knows better!!
Eat an early dinner so you have time to digest. That’s the biggest culprit for making you stay up later…if I eat early, I’m tired early
So true! That’s a good one
These are some great tips! Especially the part about trusting your training. I am such a spaz the whole week leading up to a race… but that’s part of the whole experience that keeps racing exciting, or that’s what I tell myself anyway.
I think the big thing is to learn what works for you. I used to follow training programs to a tee, making sure to take the day off before the race. However, I realized this just made me insanely nervous and anxious. Now, if a race is on Sunday, I’ll take Friday completely off and do a very, very slow shake-out run on Saturday to ease my mind.
I ALWAYS run the day before a race! I need to get my legs moving and the jitters out!!
Excellent tips. The “tourist” one is always the hardest. That’s why I try not to land in the city too early. Usually day of expo or day before. It will def. do a number on your legs and you want them as fresh as possible. Great list.
Love this list! Most of it is ‘common sense,’ but it’s so easy to forget these things and get caught up in the moment!
I agree! Its the little things that I always forget – body glide, etc.
Great list! My addition? Drink tons of water the night before (in addition to extra in the week) so that you don’t have to pee a millilon times before/during the race!
Definitely a good one!