Race week is here! Check out these race week tips from CARA Senior Director of Training & Head Coach Tim Bradley, to help you feel confident and ready to go on race morning.
Make a race day checklist. Making a list and pre-packing your race day items will help you be prepared and calm nerves. Things to include: Racing singlet/top, race bib, race shoes, watch, water bottle/hydration belt, energy gels/chews, Body Glide/Nipguards, throw-away t-shirt, pacing band, sunglasses, hat or visor, mask, ID.
Review the course map. Know where turns are and where aid stations are located, as well as the start area layout. Other details to be mindful of include where gear check will be and where the bathroom area is.
Have a race pace plan. Regardless of your pacing strategy, it is important to have a plan and execute it on race day. This typically involves calming yourself down and holding back the first few miles. The right pacing plan can be the difference between a PR day and a coulda, woulda, shoulda day. If you have not pinned down your exact goal time yet, you can reference the CARA pace calculator to help make a final decision on your goal.
Don’t forget to have fun! You’ve put in the work, so be sure to enjoy the day! Even our not-so-great races can teach us for the future. Learn from your race and focus on what positive things you did.
