Race Day Readiness

By: Erin Wellman

It's that time of year...RACE SEASON! A lot of us have either already run in our first race of the year, or we're in the middle of training to run one this summer.  And as you think about race day, there is actually a lot of ways to prepare other than running. Let's think about some things that can make your race a bit easier and even more enjoyable. 

You’ve trained so many hours, weeks, and months for this day. When you wake up the butterflies start swarming in your stomach. Today is the day all your hard work comes to fruition. You can do this.  

I have found, from personal experience, that it's best to be fully prepared the night before. This will help you have a more restful night's sleep knowing you're ready to go when that alarm goes off the next morning. The less you have to think about on the morning of your race, the better.  

Here are a few pre-race tips I have found to be helpful:  

1. Hydrate hydrate hydrate. I can't say this enough. You should actually be hydrating all week, but the day before the race is crucial for race day. You don't want to start experiencing dehydration before you even begin. This can cause cramping and other uncomfortable side effects. 

2. Make sure your favorite socks, shorts/pants, and shirt are washed and ready to wear.  Nothing's worse than waking up to get dressed for your race, only to realize the shirt and shorts you planned to wear are still in the dirty laundry. 

3.  Eat something that will give you energy. I personally would figure out what works for you pre-race day so that your stomach doesn't hate you half way in. I like something as simple as a bagel with peanut butter or cliff bar and some fruit, but other people may want more protein like eggs and toast.  (Side note: race day is NOT the day to try any new gels or energy bites because your stomach may not agree with them.  Test them out during your practice runs just in case.)

4. Charge those headphones and make sure your playlist is ready to go. If you're anything like me, a good pump up song is necessary when you've hit the hill portion of the race and you need some extra motivation.

5.  Get your tribe to come watch you and cheer you on (or better yet, run with you!). It's always nice to see a familiar face as you turn a corner or hit that place in the race that you need some extra encouragement.  

The best thing that you can do the morning of a race is get mentally prepared.  Many researchers believe that running is 90% mental.  You have trained physically but now you just need to believe in yourself.  When you feel like giving up, talk to yourself. Tell yourself this is what you've been training for and your body is prepared. When you don't think you can go anymore, tell yourself you can.  One trick I have done in the past is have a "focal point" that I use to get my mind back in the right place.  I write something on my wrist so that when I'm running or looking at my watch I reset my mind and remember the reasons as to why I'm running. 

Races are a great way to stay in shape and stay motivated. I personally love running anything from a 5K to longer races like a 1/2 marathon. (I've even raced in a few marathons!) But the races that have gone the smoothest and been the most enjoyable are the ones I've best prepared for the day and week prior. Race day isn't just about the race. Write a list, and make sure you have all your ducks in a row, and race day will be a blast! 

Find a race near you!  Visit https://www.daytonymca.org/programs/races-triathlons to find one you can start training for.  And maybe you can even convince a friend to join you!

Good luck!