You've put so much effort and energy in your training and finally the race day is here. The last thing you want to do after months of training is to repeat common mistakes many runners make on their race day. They could ruin all the fun!
MISTAKE #1: NOT WARMING UP
We all know how important warming up is so why skip it on a race day? A good warm-up before a workout is critical for preventing injuries, raising the temperature in your muscles and overall body temperature.
Start off by jogging at an easy pace for 10 to 15 minutes. The length of your warm-up depends on the length of your race. The shorter and more intense your run is, the longer and more intense your warm-up routine needs to be. Continues with ABC drills, like skipping, ankling, butt kicks etc.
Note that after 45 minutes of rest, your muscle temperature will return to normal, there will be no trace of the warm-up effect. So calculate this into your race day calendar.
MISTAKE #2: NOT SLEEPING ENOUGH
Try to go to bed earlier. Set your alarm clock so you'll have enough time to get up, eat and get to the race early.
If you're worried about not sleeping well and enough before your race day and concerned this could have an impact on your result, do not worry at all. Many studies have shown lack of sleep before a race does not impact on your performance.
MISTAKE #3: SKIPPING BREAKFAST
It happens to many runners: they are so nerves on race day they even skip breakfast. Try to relax and have a breakfast that will fuel you for your race. This is your last chance to have a solid meal until after the race.
MISTAKE #4: EATING UNFAMILIAR FOOD
Maybe you've heard it, seen it or even experienced it yourself – unfamiliar food on your race day could lead to stomach problems, even heartburn or even diarrhea.
Eat the same food as you used to eat it during the training process.
Start preping the day before. This is how our fan prepared before his first Ironman 70.3.
MISTAKE #5: FORGETTING TO PREP BEFORE THE RACE
The day before, when you're resting, it's time to prepare everything for your race.
Lay out your clothing, pin on your race bib number and set out shoes and socks.
Instead of safety pins secure your race bib number with race bib toggles. Safety pins often open during the race and even hurt skin. If your race is interrupted by rain, your race number might fall, and you'll get disqualified.
The Sport2People Race belt is a better and safer choice.
Learn more about our race belt here:
MISTAKE #6: NOT PLANNING YOUR FUEL
Fuel plan should start the day before. You should know by now which gels are perfect for you, so calculate how many you will need.
Insert them on your Sport2People Race belt and be fueled along your race. Sport2People Race belt has 2 gel loops.
MISTAKE #7: WEARING NEW SHOES&SHOES
Avoid wearing anything that's new. You could end up with huge blisters that might force you to quit your race before the finish line!
MISTAKE #8: GOING OUT TOO FAST
This is the classic mistake. You're full of adrenaline of race day and so excited you start too fast.
But the reality should be completely opposite. Your first mile should be one of the slowest. Run your first half slower than the second half. Let people pass you on first miles and then kick it for the second half. Believe in yourself and your training. You can do it.