Gearing Up for Race Day
Daily Tip #10
To ensure that you arrive at the start line early and unfrazzled, it’s best to make as many advance preparations as possible. Come race morning, you should arise ready to run, with your rituals (pre-race meal, race fuel, warm-up, etc.) well rehearsed from your months of training. The two most important race-day tips we can advise are: Don’t eat, drink, or do anything that you haven’t practiced successfully, and be sure to apply a UVA/UVB-blocking waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 20 minutes before you step outside.
Follow the step-by-step checklist (below), designed to help you get to the start line fresh and ready to perform your best.
Two days before the race:
- Be sure to follow the suggested taper that your training program recommends.
- Preview the course map so that you can fine-tune your race strategy.
- Visit the Runner Experience (open Thursday through Saturday) to pick up your race materials.
- Connect with your loved ones to arrange a place and approximate time to meet after the race. The NYC Half is an incredibly spectator-friendly race filled with entertainment (http://nyrr.org/races/2007/nychalf/entertainment07.asp), so if your friends and family are planning to cheer you on, refer them to the course map (link above) for a list of cheering zones (Jamba Juice is also handing out free samples to spectators on race day). Friends and family can also catch the action at 7:00 a.m. on WABC Channel 7.
- Rest well this evening—try to sleep and rise according to your normal schedule, but ensure that you get plenty of undisturbed sleep. Tonight is the sleep that counts!
The day before the race:
- Visit the NYC Half-Marathon Presented by NIKE website for any last-minute updates.
- Be sure to watch the news or check http://www.weather.com/ for an updated forecast. Prepare for warm, humid conditions—select quick drying technical gear, and don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses. Lay out your clothes and running shoes, with chip attached, next to the packed goody bag (that you received at the Runner Experience), which you’ll check at the zoned baggage check the next morning.
The night before the race:
- Carbo load at the pre-race pasta party at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square. Remember to try to eat and drink the amount and types of foods/beverages that you’re accustomed to—tonight is not the time to experiment.
- Head home (or back to your hotel) early to rest and relax. If you’re visiting the city, try to resist the urge to sightsee.
- Envision yourself running the perfect race—positive thinking can help ease pre-race anxiety.
