Running: tips on preparing for race day
Photo by Tony Hanks
1. Pack everything the night before: Don’t wait until the morning of the race to gather your clothing, race number, shoes and food. This is almost a guarantee that you will leave something behind. Pack your race bag the night before with the items you’ll need, that way you will know you have everything. Plus, you will be able to sleep for a few more precious minutes that morning!
2. Pick up your number and chip ahead of time: At many races, you are able to pick up your race packet ahead of time at a race expo or packet pick up. Getting your packet the day before ensures you will have your race number and timing chip ready to go the day before the race. If you need to pick it up the day before, plan on getting to the race early, at least an hour beforehand. You don’t want to be waiting in line until the last minute.
3. Pack extra clothes: The weather may be variable on race day. Pack warmer clothes just in case you need to put on another layer. Also, plan on packing some clothes to change into after the race, especially if you are cheering on others. It is uncomfortable standing around in a sweaty singlet after a race.
4. Map out the course: Before you get to the race's starting line, you want to have an idea of the race course. Many race sites show the courses online. The benefit of this is twofold: Knowing the course better will give you a good idea of where you’re at during the race, and will also help when driving to a race to know which roads to avoid.
5. Relax and have fun! Races are great experiences, whether it’s your first or your 100th. Don’t forget to enjoy the entire experience!
Do you have any race day advice for runners looking to race this fall? Share it by commenting below!
Chelsea Hanson is an avid runner, and runs many races in the Ann Arbor area. She is also a personal trainer and running coach who works at Running Fit in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at chelsea@prfitnessa2.com.
Comments
Mumbambu, Esq.
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.
If you have a timing chip don't worry about pushing forward to the line. Wait for things to clear out so you aren't stuck walking the first hundred yards behind a crowd of people. The other benefit is you'll be picking people off constantly!
mrk
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.
Good advice. I also recommend looking up the parking situation beforehand so you won't be driving around blindly the day of. And when you line up at the starting line, try to align yourself by the speed you'll run. If you run any slower than a 6 or 7 minute mile, start a little bit back... if you run a 10 or 11 minute mile start halfway back. If you're walking go all the way to the back. Your "official time" won't start until your chip crosses the official starting line, anyway, and it's very disheartening to have people passing you on all sides.
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 7:07 a.m.
Regarding mapping out the course, one thing I always like to know is if there are hills involved. I have to mentally prepare myself for those!
kplay
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 9:41 p.m.
Yes. BHBH race packet pickup from 10-4 on Sat, Oct 2 (the day before the run) at Pioneer.
A2D2
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 8:40 p.m.
can you pick up your packet early (day before?) at the Big House Big Heart race?
LauraM
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.
If it's chilly wear an old shirt or jacket to "donate" just before the race starts. I believe that in most races now anything left laying around at the start area is donated and in bigger cities the homeless grab it right after the races start.
bobr
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.
To get the anxiety out of the way, get that stuff early and if you haven't used timing chips before, lace it up in advance.