Congratulations! If you’re reading this, there’s a solid chance that you are prepping for a race. And there’s also a solid chance that it’s coming up soon. So congrats on believing in yourself enough to make it this far!
I love a good race day. There is just something about the atmosphere that feels so different than anything else. The excitement and community feel is palpable. But so are the nerves. I have been in the situation where the nerves are so high that it drained me before I even really crossed the start line, and definitely by mile 3-4 of a half marathon. So here I am, on the other side, having still messed up, but having learned a lot - and sharing my best race day tips.
Pre-Race:
Get all of your sh*t, I mean gear, together the day or night before the race. This includes clothes, bib, safety pins, water bottle, fuel, long sleeve or rainy day throw away, headphones, sunglasses, shoes, anti-chafe, sunscreen…you get the picture.
Know your driving/parking plan and how far you will have to walk/bus to the start line
Get there early , but not tooooo early. Use the bathroom. And then maybe use the bathroom again.
FUEL. What’s your fuel plan? You should be eating/drinking something about 1-2hrs before race start, and then again some quick and easy carbs within 20min of race start.
During the Race
Start conservative. AKA slow. AKA try your best to reign in the excitement and nerves so that you don’t use too much of your energy in the first few miles. Enjoy the start, let some of the masses pass you while you’re thinking “hehe I’m smarter than that, I’m going slow so that I can pass you later" (*rubs hands together and makes trickster face.)
Do your best to stick to your planned race strategy. This includes water and fuel timing, pacing plans, walk/run intervals, etc. That being said, this is your race and you have done the training. You know your body and what it can handle. Race day adrenaline is awesome and will take you places, so trust yourself and go for it if you have that itch.
Remind yourself: You trained for this. You are ready. You can do this. You are a freaking badA runner who is crushing their goals and smiling along the way!
Speak kind to yourself. Racing is hard. If you are pushing your limits, it will hurt - both mentally and physically. But that doesn’t give you the out to speak harsh. The kinder and more empowering you speak to yourself, the better you will do.
Post-Race
CELEBRATE (good times, come on). Okay so I’ve been to a few bar/bat mitzvahs in my day. BUT YOU FREAKING DID IT!! And oh that feeling is so good. Bask in it.
Fuel. You just pushed your body super hard. Get that banana. Get those chips. Drink that beer. And eat a nice big juicy meal.
Feel the pride of all of the work that you put in for the last several weeks/months/years.
Time goal met or not, appreciate what you have done.
Give your body a break - take a few days off (or more, depending on the length of the race). Your body needs more recovery post-race. And likely so does your mind.
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