5 Things to do Before Race Day
So you've signed up for a race, I'm proud of you. Are you nervous? I get nervous no matter the distance I'm doing or how many times I've done it. Embrace that feeling, it's the feeling of being alive. There's a ton of things to think about, to organize and to do before the big day. You can't control everything that happens in the race but you can take steps to be in the best place you can be as you move toward the start line.
1 - Getting There
Arrange your travel plans now. Have a look at the start/finish line area map. In Edmonton we're lucky as those are the same points. Are you parking? When and where. Which roads are closed? Are you using gear check? What time do you need to be at it? If you're taking transit, what time do the trains/buses run?
2 - Gear
Have outfits ready for rain/sun or whatever else the weather might throw at you. Try everything out well in advance, nobody needs a surprise chafing situation on the day. Will you need a hat? Try out your sunglasses to make sure they're not irritating you. Are your shoes worn down? Might be time to break in a new pair. Are you taking a hydration pack or handheld bottle? Important: Vaseline is your new best friend. What's going in your checked bag? Consider adding a pack of wet wipes, useful for a quick change after.
3 - Calories/Hydration
Try out gels/blocks/beans/waffles/energy drinks/tabs/electrolytes (you name it) in training. I once fell off a treadmill trying to eat a mini Mars bar and have determined that I will not be trying that on race day. If I'm doing a long race I will have a small bottle of Coke stashed in my hydration pack because it's a fantastic treat, excellent on my stomach and it gives me a mental lift. Find what works for you, everyone is different.
4 - Music
I run with music, it makes me happy. As long as you can hear course marshals/outside noise you are generally okay to go (always check that in the race FAQs). Your playlist is key, spend time picking out tunes that will motivate you, amuse you or distract you. I find having something fresh and new is great on race day, mixed with all my favourites (hey Britney hey).
5 - Check your race details
In Edmonton if you are a walker or you expect a 6 hr+ finish time you can utilize the early marathon start. Here's the full Sunday August 18th schedule:
The most important thing of all? ENJOY THE DAY! You have worked hard and you have 100% earned this. Ready to pick up an awesome medal?
*I am an official ambassador for the 2019 Edmonton Marathon and have received complimentary race entry. All thoughts and opinions are my own as always. I'm not qualified to give advice of any kind, thoughts/tips are based on experience after running 100+ races.
1 - Getting There
Arrange your travel plans now. Have a look at the start/finish line area map. In Edmonton we're lucky as those are the same points. Are you parking? When and where. Which roads are closed? Are you using gear check? What time do you need to be at it? If you're taking transit, what time do the trains/buses run?
2 - Gear
Have outfits ready for rain/sun or whatever else the weather might throw at you. Try everything out well in advance, nobody needs a surprise chafing situation on the day. Will you need a hat? Try out your sunglasses to make sure they're not irritating you. Are your shoes worn down? Might be time to break in a new pair. Are you taking a hydration pack or handheld bottle? Important: Vaseline is your new best friend. What's going in your checked bag? Consider adding a pack of wet wipes, useful for a quick change after.
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| A bridal veil is not typically required |
3 - Calories/Hydration
Try out gels/blocks/beans/waffles/energy drinks/tabs/electrolytes (you name it) in training. I once fell off a treadmill trying to eat a mini Mars bar and have determined that I will not be trying that on race day. If I'm doing a long race I will have a small bottle of Coke stashed in my hydration pack because it's a fantastic treat, excellent on my stomach and it gives me a mental lift. Find what works for you, everyone is different.
4 - Music
I run with music, it makes me happy. As long as you can hear course marshals/outside noise you are generally okay to go (always check that in the race FAQs). Your playlist is key, spend time picking out tunes that will motivate you, amuse you or distract you. I find having something fresh and new is great on race day, mixed with all my favourites (hey Britney hey).
5 - Check your race details
In Edmonton if you are a walker or you expect a 6 hr+ finish time you can utilize the early marathon start. Here's the full Sunday August 18th schedule:
- 6:00 a.m. Marathon Walk (and Runners expecting greater than 6 hours + finish time)
- 7:00 a.m. Marathon Run
- 8:00 a.m. Half Marathon Run/Walk
- 10:30 a.m. Army 10km Run/Walk Presented by The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (NEW TIME)
- 11:30 a.m. 5km Run/Walk
The most important thing of all? ENJOY THE DAY! You have worked hard and you have 100% earned this. Ready to pick up an awesome medal?
*I am an official ambassador for the 2019 Edmonton Marathon and have received complimentary race entry. All thoughts and opinions are my own as always. I'm not qualified to give advice of any kind, thoughts/tips are based on experience after running 100+ races.
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