A few days before I begin my hydration and health process. This sounds cheeseball... I mean, I should always stay hydrated and eat healthy, right? But I'm a realist, and know that isn't always the case. So a few days before, I raise the water intake A LOT. I try to cut out anything greasy or high fat. I up my carbs a bit. Nothing crazy... because I'm not quite that hardcore, though I sometimes wish I was.
The night before I plug in my Garmin watch so I can have a full charge in the morning. And I lay out everything I'll need the next morning:
- Race Bib with pins hung in each corner ready to attach
- Shoes with timing chip already attached
- Body Glide (if you don't know what this is... look it up... although I don't really need it for distances shorter than the half marathon)
- Running bra (guys, you can skip this one!)
- Shorts/pants
- Technical shirt
- Jacket to stay warm before the race, if needed (obviously NOT needed right now... geesh)
- Hat
- Socks
- Clif bar (chocolate chips and oats) and water bottle to eat/drink while I'm getting dressed
- Banana (or something else small to chomp before the race)
- Bottle of water
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock, if needed
- Chapstick
- iFitness belt (this thing ROCKS) with ID, credit card, medical insurance card, and a little cash
- Phone
- Gloves, if needed
- GU (at least one for every 5 miles in the race)
- Keys
- Directions for race day parking
The last thing I do is put a towel in the car so that my seats don't get all nasty post-race. Some people bring a change of clothes, but I rarely have the energy or desire to change.
Something I intend to add to my checklist is a small cooler with water and gatorade in case the supply at the finish line is depleted, which apparently does happen. Especially for slower runners or when there are different distances and the shorter distance runners will come in way before you. It shouldn't happen, but it does.
So what are your must haves on race day???
9 comments:
LOVE THIS POST!!!!
saving and linking :)
MizFit
http://tinyurl.com/23aqcy4
oops.
not sure why that tinyurl poppedin.
feel free to delete!
Funny, I was going to point out that the quote on your blog header was inaccurate. First or last, the finish line is NOT the same. Your last paragraph proves why. First gets full refreshments and such while last is staring at full trash cans and no water to be found.
Delete it? No way, I went and entered... cool giveaway!
I just try to minimize, separating out the tons of material that come in a pre-registration packet from the essential materials I need. Then, I focus on my food. What I'll carry with me, what I'll eat when I wake up. I've been told that most races are really eating contests.
This is great!!! Lists like this are so helpful for people like me. :) I've only experience chafing twice. The first time it was that time of the month, and something went wrong with my pad and my cotton panties. The second time was during my practice 13.1. I thought maybe I was immune to chafing, but knowing that you don't need Body Glide for less than a half marathon has me considering buying some. For my race 1/2s, I'd rather be safe than sorry! It's a shame you didn't post this list before my 10k this past weekend! My mom drove me to the race. I have leather seats, and she has leather seats. After the race, I hopped in her car, rode home, and noticed some nasty sweat stains. OOPS! Lesson learned. Keep the great info coming!! The tip about bringing your own post-race refreshments is pretty great, too. You're a gem. :)
Christina - e-mail me at racingitoff@gmail.com and I will share my most common chaffed spots... I don't want to scare the men. LOL!!!
I feel like we could be race-prep twins! My list/routine is almost exactly the same. The last race I did a couple of weeks ago was at 5pm -- so I finally gave in and bought a cooler. I was so happy I did. Nothing like driving a few hours to race with cold beverages, and still having cold water after the race. And with that one I also brought towels. 2 small and 1 washcloth. I was prepared to sweat!
My "must" item that I always do right before running ... my lipstick. I know -how vain, right? I figure if I can't be the fastest runner at least I'll try to look as cute as I can!
Well I can't race without chapstick. I couldn't believe how much your lips dry out, so why not lipstick!
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