Now that I am back in the racing mindset, I’d love to share more about my typical race morning. Runners are a pretty superstitious bunch (in my opinion) and I think many of us have pretty tried and true routines to get them to the start line. I count myself among those superstitious folk, and I have my own set of protocols and regimens that help keep me on track on race mornings.
The Pre-Work
I am nothing if not prepared, so the night before any race is spent getting organized. This is the time to lay out my flat runner, and pack a small bag. I make sure I have things like socks, sunglasses, keys, ID, money/cards, a small cooler of drinks (most of my races are enough of a distance away that I want to have a cold beverage before and/or after). The weather gets check, just in case I need a hat, dry clothes, and a ziplock for my phone. In addition, I check any pre-race emails, and make sure I know where I am going, and what time I need to be there. And let’s not forget to charge the smart watch and phone!
Waking Up
I set a ton of alarms on a typical race morning. The truth is I never sleep well before a race, and the thought of oversleeping terrifies me. My alarms are timed in order to give me a little snoozing time, and then about 30 minutes to get up and out the door. I am the person who believes if you are on time, you are late, so I make sure that I give myself drive time, and parking time, especially if I still have to pick up my packet on race morning.
Getting Ready
Time to prep. One thing about me is that I WILL be showering and shaving on a typical race morning. Why? I couldn’t tell you. But it’s happening. Another fun fact? I will absolutely put on some light BB cream or foundation with SPF and mascara. I can’t help it. Hair goes up in a big messy bun, and I put on my race outfit. At this point, I can just grab my pre-packed bags and get on the road.
Breakfast
Ah, yes. How do I fuel on a typical race morning? Well, normally, when I run near home, I just roll out the door with a tiny bit of peanut butter or similar snack. However, since I am up earlier on race morning, I tend to give myself some time before I eat, and I also bring something a little more substantial. Right now, I’m grabbing a plain, untoasted bagel, which I nibble on starting at one hour prior to the start. If my stomach feels grumbly, I’ll also be sure to grab an Imodium. Just in case.
Arriving At The Event
If I’ve timed everything properly, I am usually one of the first to arrive at a race. This is by design. I now have plenty of time to chill out, fuel up, pick up my packet if need be, find the restrooms, and get myself calm. Anxiety is an awful thing, and I feel like I can’t begin the relaxation process until I am parked and ready to run. We had a little issue with construction at the Gate River Run a few months ago, which really threw me. Yes, we got a good spot where I wanted to be, but I was so stressed about the possibility of the roads closing or the lots being full that I was way more worked up than I needed to be.
Find My Friends
At this point, I am ready to walk around, stretch my legs, and find my friends. This is the part of the morning I enjoy most. I can just take my time getting comfortable in the area, get on any bathroom lines early, and scope out the awesome runners I know. Can you say pre-race photos?
Head To The Start Line
And then it’s time to go to the start line. I make sure all my possessions are out of sight in my car and that the doors are locked. My shoelaces get a quick re-tie to make sure they feel ok. I find the space I want to stand in the line up, and get ready to start my watch. After a quick selfie, it’s go time!
What does your typical race morning look like?
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Mine is pretty similar except I do not shower before the race but after. I eat two bowls of oatmeal. And off I go. Early.
I forgot to mention that I have to ninja my way out of the house because of the pugs. They don’t usually kick up a fuss until 7AM so I try to get sneak past them and out the door. If I linger in the kitchen, then they will be up and I’ll have to build in extra time to take them out and feed them before I leave. I would have to have overnight oats wrapped up and ready to go, but that doesn’t sound as good as warm oatmeal.
I’ve heard of other runners showering on race morning (Janae from Hungry Runner Girl always does, she says it wakes her up.). I do NOT shower before races though, it seems futile to me. But to each his own!
So, the Imodium- when you take it, does it have any bad side effects? I’ve heard of people using it and saying it made them nauseous. I definitely need something to help me- my digestion is really iffy on long runs and races.
I am a lunatic about shaved legs. I don’t know what it is but I can’t be out among the people without doing it.
In fairness, I have no gall bladder, so my stomach may be a bit more finicky than someone with (and my urgency when that kicks in may be greater). On mornings where I just KNOW I am going to have a problem (longer run or race, anxious about arrival, etc), I will take one immodium when I get up, and then another with my bagel. Personally, I have never had nausea or any other side effects from it. I would say I’ve only taken it once over the last four months (definitely the Gate, maybe the Mardi Gras because we were traveling and I was nervous, but I can’t remember definitively). Just like anything else, I would try it on a training day and see what happens. Let me know!
Like you, I try to have everything laid out before bedtime so I don’t have to rush around in the morning. I typically don’t have anxiety issues (thankfully!!!), but race mornings are a different ball game. Now that I have a much shorter commute to the Des Moines metro, I know my stress load will be greatly lowered because there won’t be as much travel (or panic/worry about getting there on time).
I also lay everything out and never sleep well. Lol. Interesting on the shower pre-race but hey if it works for you. I also like a little pampering and getting there early to use the bathroom at lease once
I’m exactly the same save for two differences: I don’t shower and I like to be awake for well over an hour before I head out the door. I love that alone me-time before it gets hectic!
And I like that saying: if you’re on time, you’re late. I’ve never heard that one before, I will need to remember it!
That is interesting about taking a shower and shaving before a race. I know someone else who does that too and I never asked her why she does it.
I’d love to pretend that it makes me faster, like swimmers, but I just feel better when I do it. The joke is that you know that I am really sick when I stop showering and shaving. That’s when to get me help. Because even when I had a broken leg, I was still in that shower and shaving every single day.