It is finally spring! And with spring, comes the sun (or possibility of the sun in South Bend’s case). And with that sun comes an influx of races! In the wake of a long hibernation season, 5Ks, mud runs, and marathons will be popping up like daisies this time of year, so it’s time to get to it runners.
The actual race training can often be pretty straightforward: follow a mile by mile schedule the weeks leading to your race and you’re golden. However, even the best training schedule can leave you anxious, excited, and nervous – or just “happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time” – on the day before the race. You’ve been running your shoes into the ground for weeks, and now the schedule leaves a blank space the day before the culmination of all your hard work? So without further fretting and further adieu, your prerace tips:
1. First and foremost, rest those limbs:
You’ve got the mileage behind you and a race before you. The best thing your can do for your body now is give those legs a little break. Allowing for a day of recovery before your big race ensures a fresh batch of energy for the run along with a stronger defense against injury.
2. Eat smart:
Theme for the day: carbo-load. Especially for those high mileage events, you’re going to want a vicious storage of energy. Just be sure to snack it smart with healthy carbs: whole grain breads and pastas, smart cereals, and grainy rices.
3. Gather the troops:
Let your family and friends know what, when, where, why you’re racing. Let your biggest fans in on your running antics so that they are able to offer support, prayers, and love. Rule of thumb: no woman runs alone. Even if you’re running a race solo, you’ve got the best resources for encouragement all around you!
4. Think only positive thoughts:
The best fuel for your run is neither Gatorade nor H2O: it’s positivity! Maybe that 26.2, 13.1, or even 3.2 miles may seem pretty daunting the day before your race, even though your months of training have proved your physical preparedness. However, the biggest challenge of the long run is not physical, it’s mental. So fuel up with some positive visualization and finish line anticipation. Blast some inspirational music, get in the mental zone and you’ll be good to go for the gold!