How I Prepare The Night Before A Race
Running a race isn’t just about the training and the finish line, it’s an overall strategy that includes preparation the night before. With all of the nerves and excitement leading up to the race, it’s also important to plan and prepare as best you can to set yourself up for a positive experience.
Here are some of the most important parts of my routine when I prepare the night before a race:
Sleep
An epsom salt bath is obligatory. I use only plain epsom salts, with no perfumes in them. I fill the bath tub with warm to hot bath water and use 3-4 cups. Don’t skimp on this! The magnesium helps to relax your leg muscles and makes for a more restful sleep.
Food
Depending on the distance of the race, I eat very little fibre the night before. You DO NOT want to have a huge bowl of salad the night before a race. You will literally sh*t your pants!
Simple pasta the night before is ideal with a palm serving of protein. A simple spaghetti sauce or alfredo sauce is ideal. Pizza is also great!
Clothing & Equipment
Laying out a “flatlay” the night before is ideal to help you decide what you’re going to wear. This also includes your sports bra, and even underwear! Consider:
What the weather conditions will be like
How much gear you need to bring
Whether you need a water vest or water bottle
Fuel
Count how many hours you’re going to run to decide on your fuel. I bring 2 fuel packs for each hour. I don’t rely on the race course to supply fuel, because you never know if they are going to run out. This happened during the BMO Vancouver Marathon race and the Seattle Marathon. No biggie, I just make sure I bring extra!
Electrolytes
I really like Liquid IV packets to add to my water flasks. I also like to bring salt pills or tablets - gotta bring salt!
Other
KT Tape - For good measure or preventative taping
Body Glide - For thick thighs and other uncomfortable places that rub
Mental Game
Telling yourself:
“I am running tomorrow”
“I get to do this”
“I am so fortunate to be able to move my body like this”
If you replace the thoughts that want to be intrusive, with thoughts that are encouraging, you will have a completely different experience, I promise you!
