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"As an athlete, when you least
expect it, you may find yourself standing on the threshold of an accomplishment so
monumental that it strikes fear into your soul. You must stand ready, at any
moment, to face the unknown. You must be ready to walk boldly through the wall of
uncertainty."
John Bingham, The Courage to Start |
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| Out of Town Race Preparation |
Have a Race Plan
Set Three Goals
On a Perfect Day Goal - The weather is perfect and I feel great
On a Okay Day Goal - The weather is less than prefect and/or I am not feeling great.
It's Hot out here Goal - Put on the sunscreen and enjoy the day.
Research - The more you know before you arrive; the more you can relax
Go to the race website and get as much information as you can before you leave.
Expo hours and location
Race morning Bag Check Location
Port -a- let Locations
Start Location & Time
Transportation to the start, and back to your hotel
Designate Family meeting place
Course map and elevation review.
Review your itinerary, flight and hotel conformations etc.
Packing
Race Information from the web site
Hotel conformation
Flight conformation
Race Registration conformation (most races email this or send you a post card you will
need)
Personal Chip (if you have one and used it to register)
Race morning breakfast - bring it with you if you can, much easier than trying to find
something
Safety Pins
GU
Body Glide
Tape if you use it
Sunscreen
Chap Stick
Sunglasses
Running Shoes
Running Socks
Gloves - hard to believe; but yes you could need them
Headband or running hat to cover your ears if it's cold
Running Apparel - several options - the weather can change - layer (watch the weather)
Throw Away Shirt - to wear at the start
Cap - if you wear one on long runs. This is also a good option in case of rain
Fanny pack - if you use one.
Water bottle to take to the start
Bag Drop Bag
Post run shoes, slides, sandals
Something to change into after the race (watch the weather)
A snack you like
Saturday
Enjoy the Expo but don't stay on your feet all day
Drive the Course if you have time this can help you visualize the race.
Rest - Stay off your feet as much as possible
Hydrate - you should have a bottle of water or sports drink in your hand all day.
Light Dinner with your friends
Early to bed - you probably won't sleep well so try to get a good night sleep Friday
night.
Sunday
Eat - get up early and eat, 3 hours before the start seems to work best for me. Nothing
new.
Hydrate - drink 16 to 24 ounces before the start, finish drinking 1 hour before the race.
Arrive Early - if you will be taking a train or bus to the start plan for it to take
longer than you think it should.
Start
You will be excited, there will be tons of energy around you, you are really going to have
to work to control your pace at the start, your race pace is going to feel very easy but
stick to it. The adrenaline will go away, and it will feel right in a few miles. If it
feels like you are racing at the start you are probably running too fast. The best
description I can give you for the feeling I try to have at the start is in control,
holding back just a little. The biggest mistake you can make and that I have made is going
out too fast. It will also be very crowded so don't be the one weaving in and out of
runners trying to run your pace, doing this uses tons of energy that you will need later,
just be patient. |
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