Race day is looming

1 Week Until Race day - Edinburgh Half 2013

Well all the hard work is done so hopefully I will get the results on Sunday!! There is a big group of us going to Edinburgh this year. (Girly weekend away!!) So most importantly I want to enjoy the weekend. The majority of us are doing the half marathon on Sunday but there are 3 ladies doing the 10km on the Saturday. They are lucky because they can have cocktails on the Saturday night while the rest of us are drinking water!!!Most importantly this week leading up to the race is all about rest and making sure my legs are fresh as ever ready to run Sunday morning!!

Race Day Preparation Tips

Enjoy the Taper

We all worry that if we stop running it will affect race day but it is so important to taper!! Tapering is designed to allow your body to recuperate, rebuild and be fresh at the start line. So take it easy, legs up, use a tiger tail, get a massage and get ready mentally for race day.

Eat Carbs

This does not mean eat loads of pasta, rice and bread. Maybe just increase the carbs you eat to 65-70 3 days before race day.

Have some carbs the morning before the run eg. Porridge, toast peanut butter and banana. Make sure it is something you are use to eating. Try and eat 2-3 hours before the run.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water the day before and in the morning. You will know your own routine. Avoid alcohol because it will dehydrate you.

Chill out the day before

Stay off your feet and rest the day before the run. A good excuse to lay on the couch and have your other half or kids do everything for you.

Make sure your toenails are trimmed

This is important because you don’t want your toe nails hitting the front of your shoes. You want to avoid black toe nails.

Get your clothing and gear ready

Race number and pins

Running clothes (hat, sunglasses, shorts, top, socks, trainers, etc)

Vaseline to prevent chaffing

Gels, energy sweets (whatever you have been using in training)

Sunscreen

Watch

Ipod

Avoid unusual foods

Stick to food you are used too or you could experience horrible stomach problems during the race. Keep it simple. If you eating out the night before make sure to check the menu to see if you can eat Review the course

This will help you mentally and you can plan how you are going to run the race. Also so you know where the water and lucozade stations are.

Plan breakfast

Make sure you have your usual breakfast that you have had before your long runs.

Get a good night sleep couple of days before race day

The night before the race we tend to be anxious and have a disturbed night sleep. So its important to get a good sleep 2 days before the race.

Get to the start line in plenty of time

I would recommend getting to the start line early so it prevents you being stressed. It will allow you time to warm up, go to the loo and get to your pen in plenty of time and enjoy the atmosphere.

Stay positive

Only have positive thoughts in your mind. Picture the start and finish and everything going the way you want it to go.