With my second marathon happening in less than 1 day(!), naturally all of my current time is spent obsessing over the race. Earlier I took a minute to reread my 3-days-out blogpost from my first marathon last year. A lot of it remains true this time around---yes, I'm still nervous and paranoid---but I think overall, I'm a lot more relaxed. I have a way better idea of what the day will look like and how my body will (hopefully) react.
For the most part, I have my running/race routine down pat. Being prepared = less stress. There's already enough uncontrollable variables to worry about on race day (i.e. THE WEATHER). There's no reason that the things we can control can't be in (almost) perfect order! I thrive off of lists, and chances are some of you do too, so here's what I have today: A list of everything you can get together Race Day Eve to ensure things go smoothly from when your alarm goes off to when you finally settle down for your post-race nap. It's also a great way to channel your jitters into something productive!
I've separated my list out below into three categories---Pre-Race, Race and Post-Race Necessities---but everything should be laid out and/or packed the night before (if not earlier!) for a low-stress race day. For the Richmond Marathon, the forecast is a high of 46 and it'll be about 30 degrees at the start line, so there is definitely an emphasis on layers and warm clothing. I'm trying my hardest to balance being comfortable and not over-dressing for the weather. Also, I have the luxury of parking right at the finish line (my office building happens to be next door) so I can pack as much as I want for post-race supplies. If you are doing a bag-check for your race, make sure you consolidate accordingly and are careful with valuables!
Pre-Race Necessities
Think about your typical pre-race routine. What do you do to prepare your body? All of these things should be laid out in their appropriate space (kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc).
- Breakfast - I'll be eating a bowl of whole grain cereal with banana slices and unsweetened almond milk. So I'll be laying out my bowl, spoon, banana and cereal box on the kitchen counter so all I have to do is pour and eat.
- Coffee - I drink one small cup of coffee right when I wake up before eating, so I'll be adding water to the Keurig, inserting a pod and placing my mug underneath for a quick one-press brew.
- Water - Place a full bottle or cup next to your bed, so you can start re-hydrating right away (or if you wake up in the middle of the night)! I drink about 1 liter before long runs. Experts say you should only sip water, if necessary, once you get to the 30 minutes out mark.
- Deodorant
- Body Glide - for feet, chest, neck, EVERYWHERE!
- Chapstick or Petroleum Jelly - for lips
- Extra hair tie, hair clips, etc.
- Ibuprofen, or other pain reliever
- Foam roller and/or "Stick" - I always foam roll my legs and "Stick" my feet to help warm-up my body before a run.
Race Necessities
All of your clothes, duh! And food, accessories, a WATCH. Dress an imaginary body on the floor of your living room to make sure you aren't forgetting anything:
- Underwear (optional?)
- Sports bra
- Shirt, plus any other layers you plan to wear to the start line (pullover, toss-a-ways, etc.)
- Bottoms (shorts, capris, pants...)
- Socks and shoes
- Race bib!!! Pin it where you plan to wear it - shirt, pullover, pants, SPIbelt
- Gloves, hat, ear-warmers, sunglasses, etc.
- Watch - Plug it into it's charger on an outlet near your clothes!
- SPIBelt, or whatever you are using to store nutrition and other essentials
- Race nutrition/food (jelly beans, blocks, bites, etc.) - Put all of it into where you plan to have it during the race (see SPIbelt above)
- Extra seal-able sandwich/snack bags plus whatever else you plan to have on you during the race. Other things may include a tissue, Chapstick, phone, ID...put it in your storage belt/pack. The bags will ensure things dry during your run!
Post-Race Necessities
What're you looking forward to doing right after the race? If you're like me, you probably want to get comfortable as quickly as possible. This will require new clothes, drink/food and anything you need to get home and/or to where you can eat and drink more! Go ahead and pack everything in a bag (either the check-in bag they give you, or a reusable shopping bag for your car).
- Clean shirt, sweatshirt, etc.
- Sweatpants and another pair of gloves/hat, if cold
- Socks and maybe another pair of shoes or sandals - I'm considering my zip-up Uggs!
- Compression socks or sleeves
- More Ibuprofen, or other pain reliever
- Water or electrolyte drink
- Snack or "reward" food - For example: a pint of chocolate milk and my half-eaten jar Biscoff cookie butter spread! <3 <3 <3
- Car keys and/or other personal items (if you are checking a bag)
Last but not least:
SET YOUR ALARM. SET TWO. AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE FOR AM AND NOT PM.
Good luck to everyone running Richmond or another race this weekend! I can't wait to see how it turns out!!!
Am I forgetting anything else?! What are your top race day necessities?
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