I finished my tenth running race over ten miles this month. Over the last several years of racing, I have developed a morning routine to get myself ready for each one. While there may be some agreement and disagreement with my process, the routine has become my way of getting ready.
The night before a race, I make sure I lay out all of my gear. I have a list of items I like to take save on Anylist and will lay them out on my desk. I then try to go to bed early.
On the day of the race, I make sure I wake up early. I like to arrive at the race location an hour early. Yes, it is earlier than most, but at that point everything is done and I can take my time getting a feel for the race area, stretch, and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding the race. With most races starting at 8 AM and arriving at 7 AM, traveling about an hour away, I leave the house at 6 AM. I wake up an hour and a half prior to my departure time.
After I wake up, I like to take a shower and get dressed. This wakes me up more, allows me to shave and feel clean, and warms me up a little. I then go into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and a bagel and peanut butter. Waking up early allows me to take my time through this process. I try not to rush at all.
When I finally get in the car, I makes sure I have everything on my checklist and recheck that I have my bib and timing chip. I bring along a small Red Bull drink to enjoy on the way to the race. I like to listen to motivation running music.
As I arrive at the location, I try to park as close to the finish line as possible. This typically is not a big deal, because I am among the first to arrive. I get out and stretch, sometimes I am able to walk to the start/finish line. I visit the Port-A-Pottie before the lines get too long.
Then I hang out, stretch, and wait. About twenty minutes before the start time, I eat my first of three gels that I will consume that day.
I am then prepared for my race.
[…] mentioned in a post titled “How I Prepare on the Day of aa Race” that I make a list on AnyList that reminds me of the different items I need to pack for my […]