RUNNING FOR GOOD
Top running tips for race day
Get race day ready! Have your best race ever with our top tips in collaboration with Runna.
Ready to run?
First of all, a massive well done! 👏
You’ve been training so hard for the big day. To help you push through these last few weeks, our friends at Runna have shared the best race day tips! Follow these and all you’ll need to think about on race day is getting to that finish line. Let’s go.
The golden rule
This is the most important rule, the one that applies to every other tip on this page: don’t do anything different or change anything on race day! Use the shoes you’re comfortable in, wear the outfit you know feels good, have a breakfast and mid-race fuel you know works well for you. Just stick with what you know.
Know where to start and arrive early
Limit stress and ensure you know how to get to the start line prior to the race! You’ll be doing enough running in the race, you don’t need to have to run to the start line too (unless you’re into that). Arrive early, do a warmup, and queue for that last minute nervous wee.
Give your feet a rest
In the days before your race, it’s important to try and stay off your feet as much as possible. Whilst it walking to work to stretch your legs might seem like a good idea, now’s the time to jump on public transport and save energy!
Bring old clothes or a bin bag for the cold
There’s normally a wait between your starting pen and crossing the line, and it’s essential you don’t get too cold. Wear a bin bag to insulate your body heat, or stay warm in some old clothes you can donate to charity at the start line (most races do this now!).
Get ready the night before
Lay out your kit the night before, including socks and pants. Make sure you’ve worn all of your kit previously on long runs, so you know that it won’t cause you any discomfort on the day. Get your mid-run fuel ready and pin your bib onto your top!
Food, food, food
This is different for everyone, and you’ll only find out what works for you by trial and error. During race week, eat your normal amount of calories, but increase your carbs. This is “carb loading”, and ensures your muscles are fuelled for race day. Learn more.
Hydrate, but don’t overdo it
Stay well hydrated during race week, including the morning of the race. However, try to stop drinking about 30 minutes before you start (unless it’s particularly hot). You don’t want to cross that start line needing the toilet or with a full stomach!
Don’t go out too hard
Race day is SO exciting, and adrenaline will probably take over! Stick to your pace, no matter how good you feel, especially if the race a long one. If you’re feeling good towards the end, that’s when to push the pace to leave everything on the road.
These tips might seem like a lot to think about, but don’t worry – you’ll do most of this without even thinking. You’ve got this…good luck in your race!
MORE RUNNING TIPS
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Reach your goals and get even more of our top running tips, nutrition and recovery advice, and more on our Running For Good hub, built just for runners making a difference like you.
