• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge

It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active

Time To Take A Breath

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / 5 things i won’t do on race day

5 things i won’t do on race day

July 9, 2021      17 Comments

On race day, there are things I will and won’t do. I have my routine and my systems in place, and I really won’t deviate from the plan. The success of my race days depends on my little do and don’ts, so here are the things I just won’t do.

I Won’t Drink Coffee Before The Race

No way, no how. I do have a few sips of Diet Dr Pepper en route to a race. And yes, I will absolutely treat myself to an iced coffee after the event, but coffee before the race (for me) is a terrible idea for a variety of reasons. If you know, you know.

I Won’t Be Late On Race Day

Friends, I confess to being a bit militant about getting places on time. I subscribe to the “if you’re on time, you’re late” theory, and this is ESPECIALLY true on race day. I get up way earlier than necessary and leave with plenty of time to allow for traffic, parking, two bathroom stops, and a few minutes for photos, and hanging out at the start line. It’s what I do and helps keep my anxiety in check. Does it annoy my husband and possibly the friends with whom I carpool? Maybe. But one of my worst race nightmares is getting to an event after the starting gun fires. No thank you!

I Won’t Line Up In The Wrong Start Corral

No matter how badly I want to start the race, and how much of a cushion I think I need, I won’t enter a corral I don’t deserve. I also won’t get any closer to the start line than I need.

I Won’t Wear The Race Shirt For The Race

This is always a hot debate, but I will not wear the free race shirt to actually run the race. I don’t necessarily have any superstitions in the matter, but I do hate wearing t-shirts and it’s really too hot most of the time to have any kind of sleeve. Instead, I prefer to save the shirt for the drive home, or after my post-race shower.

I Won’t Cut People Off To Get To The Photographer

Listen. I love a good race photo, but I’m not going to go to great lengths to get it. If I’m in the line of the photographer, I will smile big, pick up my knees, maybe flash a peace sign, and hope for the best. However, I won’t cut across the race course, hop in front of anyone, or go for some massive leap in order to make magic happen.

turtle crawl

What things will you not do on race day?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday, our new linkup!

We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites! Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun? 

fit five friday

Grab our graphic and share the love!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

What are your best summer skincare tips?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:29 am

    Oops. I do many of your donts.

    I always drink coffee before race. I sometimes wear the race shirt if it’s cute.

    I usually line up in the correct corral. Maybe always.

    I do like to arrive very early.

    I smile when I see the photographer but many times like my last race I had no clue so lousy pics.

    What will I not do?

    Wear unmatched clothes.
    Leave right after I finish. I stay and cheer others on.
    Carry a water bottle. Even if it’s hot.
    Run up a steep hill. Save my energy.
    Pass a water stop. It’s my walk break.
    Not carry fuel. Gu even in a short race.
    Run without stopping to walk. I’m faster that way.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:02 am

      I don’t like unmatched clothes either LOL! And I won’t run up big hills. Nope.

      Reply
  2. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    July 9, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Cut people off to get to the photographer? I’ve never even heard of that one!

    I do drink tea on race day. Does that count?
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…6 Ways to Keep Your Cool on the RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:04 am

      There are certain, big-name races where people will fling themselves in front of the photographer. A few years ago, a woman wanted a jumping picture while we were running off a big bridge at the end of a popular local race. She crossed the entire road, threw herself in front of me, jumped, and did NOT stick the landing. I had to pull up short to avoid colliding, and then had to stop to make sure she was ok. It was not good race etiquette.

      Reply
  3. Erica @ Erica Finds says

    July 9, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    I agree on all of these!! Especially the shirt and trying to edge up in the start corral! I’d also add not wearing anything I haven’t tried before (terrible chaffing and blisters are not OK!) or eating/drinking anything I haven’t tried. I don’t drink coffee before the race but I do chew caffeinated gum (Run Gum) – I use it in my training and know it works for me!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:05 am

      I will wear new clothes. Not always with wonderful results, but I do it.

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    July 9, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    I’m with you on the race shirt one- it’s too hot to wear a tshirt at all, usually- I like to put it on later in the day, if at all.
    I don’t drink coffee at all, but I do like some caffeine before a race. I’ll sometimes do iced tea, or half of a caffeinated gel.
    Actually I guess I’m with you on all these!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:05 am

      I’ll have caffeine, but coffee goes right through me. No thank you.

      Reply
  5. Michelle D. says

    July 9, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    I’m with you on all of these! I have nightmares about arriving at a race so I can relate to being militant about getting there early.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:05 am

      It’s the worst feeling!

      Reply
  6. Renée says

    July 9, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    we’d be perfect race mates. I’ve definitely annoyed friends who want to go to a race with me by having to be early. I have been late to a couple races and it is THE WORST feeling.

    I do drink coffee before the race, and yes I do know 😀 but… I get up extra early to ensure that there are no issues during the race.

    one thing that pisses me off more than anything is runners blatantly jumping corrals. I won’t do it. And if you do it, I’m judging. #justsaying

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:06 am

      I hope one day we will have the chance to see if we are!

      I do not like being late to anything!

      Reply
  7. Deborah Brooks says

    July 9, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    ok so I have to have coffee everyday, especially on race day. I just have to plan for it and get up early enough to digest. I am always nervous about getting there late, so I am always early!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:07 am

      It doesn’t matter how early I get up. Once coffee starts its way through me, it can take some time. No bueno on a run.

      Reply
  8. Kimberly Hatting says

    July 10, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    While I don’t think I have any serious ongoing anxiety problems, I DO have it before a race. And, it’s more about not waking on time (even though I’m up early everyday anyways), or traffic being an issue, or not getting to the race site on time. Once I have arrived, I’m totally good…but getting there is really stressful for me. I have worn the race shirt a few times…once, in particular, was the R’nR Vegas in 2017. It was my big rally back 13.1 (after my knee surgery earlier that year). I did cut off the sleeves and made it into a racerback tank, though 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2021 at 1:07 am

      I absolutely agree with this. I hate being late, and I always stress about traffic, parking, and being in the right place at the right time.

      Reply
  9. Coco says

    July 14, 2021 at 12:42 am

    Oh, I will drink ^one^ cup of coffee -that’s my concession. I never see the photographers in time to react, let alone to cross in front of them, so I had no idea that was a thing.

    I will never run more than two-astride with friends, making it impossible for others to pass.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Well, Hello There

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge
  • It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active
  • Time To Take A Breath
  • Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition
  • Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

Archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!