The Traveling Runner

It is marathon race morning and you may probably be excited, nervous and fearful. Those are all normal feelings and to be expected! I have a few insider tips I learned over the years that will make your race morning even more pleasant and less stressful! 

✅ COLD WEATHER – if racing in cooler weather, wear old sweat pants and sweatshirts over your racing gear to warm up at the start. Right before the race starts, discard your old clothes on nearby benches, etc (most race organizers donate the clothes to local charity) 

✅ SLEEP – try to get 8 hrs a sleep a night in the week leading up the marathon. It’s normal to be nervous and jittery the night before your sleep may not be great. DON’T WORRY! You will be ok especially if you had several good nights of sleep leading up to race weekend. This happens to me almost every marathon and I’ve learned to not panic! I always have plenty of energy and adrenaline to PR!

✅ ARRIVE AT LEAST 60 MINS EARLY – I love arriving early and taking my time to do some dynamic stretches before the race starts. You never know what obstacles you may encounter on the trip to the start line.

✅ TAKE CARE OF THE BATHROOM – Once I get situated at the start line, I get into the portapotty line. After I go one time, I go directly to the back of the line. When I reach the portapotty again, I usually have to go again 😂 I also hydrate while waiting in the line! This is one way to make sure you take of business efficiently!

✅ DON’T DO ANYTHING NEW the week before a race. Stick with all of your same fuel, hydration, gear, shoes, etc that you used for your training block.

What is your race morning routine?