Race weekends can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are new to them. Everything from traveling to a new city to getting your race packet at the race expo can make you feel out of rhythm. The tips below can help you alleviate some of the stress that can come with that and help you have the best race weekend possible!
Hydration and Nutrition:
This may seem like a given but with a lot of other things going on, hydrating and eating well can be an afterthought. You want to make sure that your body is properly prepared so that you can race to your full potential. Ahead of your race try and plan out the places you would like to eat. Carrying a water bottle around with you will also help remind you to hydrate. Be sure to mix in some electrolytes in between bottles of water as well.
Don’t Try Anything New:
As exciting as new things can be, save them for after your race. Everything from your fueling to your apparel should be the same as what you have practiced/used in training. If you are going to be fueling during your race, make sure to bring that with you from home. You should practice your fueling strategy in your training sessions so that you know what sits well in your stomach. The most important is your shoes. Do not try a brand new pair of shoes on race day even if it’s the same model of shoe you have used in the past. At least wear them a couple of times to make sure that they are comfortable and you have no issues with them.
The Course:
You don’t necessarily need to run the course before racing it, but looking at a course map can be very beneficial. Most races will provide the course map on their website and in your race packet. The map will provide you with a lot of useful information. Knowing everything from the turns and/or hills of the course to where the aid stations are located will help you be able to plan your best race strategy.
Check the Weather:
It’s better to overpack for your race than underpack. If it’s a race during the colder months, bring layers and gloves so that you can stay warm. Weather can change quickly so you want to be prepared for everything. Checking ahead of time will ensure that you have everything you need to be comfortable on race day.
Trust Your Training
You have put in the hard work to be successful on race day and you should remember that! A race should be a fun celebration of all of that training, even if it is a little painful. If you have fun out there and execute your race plan it’s hard to have a bad day.
About the Author:
Sid Vaughn is a professional distance runner for the HOKA NAZ Elite Team based in Flagstaff, AZ, as well as a running coach for TEC where he specialized in working with athletes on both the track and road in all distances. He uses his experience as a professional athlete to guide athletes of all abilities towards their full potential. To schedule a free introductory call with Sid click HERE.
