• WATER: Drink lots of water throughout the week, not just on race morning.
  • EATING: Don't eat anything the day before the race that might upset your stomach. Be sure to get some carbs in order to give you energy for the race, but you don't need to overeat. On race morning, eat what you normally eat before your long runs. Toast with peanut butter, half a banana, or a protein bar are good options.
  • TAPER: You'll notice your mileage getting lower as you near race day. Trust the program! It's important to rest and let your muscles recover before the race. It will help prevent injury and give you the energy you need to finish.
  • SLEEP: Get the rest your body needs! You might have trouble sleeping the night before the race, and it will probably be an early morning. That's okay. It just means it's important to get a good night sleep TWO nights before the race.
  • NIGHT BEFORE PREP: It might feel like first grade, but lay out all of your clothes and gear the night before. Pin your bib to the front of your shirt and be sure you have your timing chip ready for your shoe. Race morning can be early and hectic, so this will help ease some of your nerves.
  • RACE DAY: Don't do anything new on race day! There might be a Gu station on the course, but if you haven't trained using an energy gel like this, don't try it. It might mess with your stomach...
  • THIS IS NOT A RACE: Well, it is. But take it easy! The start line is exciting and you'll be feeling great! But stick to your training pace and keep it slow, especially in the beginning. If you're still feeling great at the back half, pick up the pace a little bit. Either way, the important thing is to finish feeling strong
  • PICK YOUR NEXT RACE: Even before race day, pick out your next race. It will help keep you motivated to continue your workouts and stay in the kind of shape you've worked hard to get to!
  • RELAX! You're going to do great! You've been training hard, and now you get to see the payoff. This is the fun part. :)

Print Page
E-mail Article
Back to Top

Newsletter Sign-Up

World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.