Happy St. Patrick’s Day! On this, the luckiest day of the year, I’m ready to talk about some of my fitness “superstitions” and idiosyncracies.
Nothing New On Race Day
I don’t think I’m alone in the fact that wearing something new on race day can be asking for trouble. You just never know how new clothes, shoes, or food will affect you in a “pressure” situation, and you don’t want to find yourself uncomfortable. Every so often, I prove to myself why I have the little superstition: I wore a brand new pair (same brand and style I usually wear) of shorts to a race a few weeks ago, and they almost fell off. I spent the first half mile trying to tie the strings! Whoops.
Never Drink Coffee Before Working Out
Maybe it’s the coffee. Maybe it’s the lack of gall bladder. But no good can come from having coffee before intense physical activity. After? It’s game on, but until then, I don’t want my luck to run out.
Pet All The Dogs
I absolutely gauge my day by how many dogs I see and get to pet on a run. Today was a 7-dog-day, and it was phenomenal. Trust I will always break pace and pause my watch to love on a sweet pupper.
Stay Away From Wooded Areas
I very much shy away from the wooded areas when I’m running, especially if I’m alone and even more especially, if it’s dark. This doesn’t apply to trails, although I tend to only go on those when I have company. My imagination tends to get the better of me in certain situations, so it’s best that I avoid the places that make me nervous.
Never Forget Rain Accessories
Living in Florida, rain is a pretty common occurrence. It’s unpredictable and sometimes torrential. I believe that if I load up on rain accessories (visor, jacket, and ziplock bag for my phone), the rain holds off. The minute I leave something at home, the heavens open. Check the Gate River Run, where I totally forgot a towel and change of clothes. Bam. Downpour.
What are your fitness superstitions or idiosyncrasies?
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Ha! I try to avoid saying things like “Things are going so well!” or “I haven’t been injured in a really long time!” because I’m afraid the next day I’ll be struck down. I would say “nothing new on race day” is not so much superstition as good, solid advice.
I have worn new things on race day and it worked out fine… and I always have coffee before a run, race or workout.
IOW we all are different.
For me, be prepared for ALL weather conditions… throwaways, gloves, rain ponchos etc.
Do not set high expectations… that leads to disappointment.
Don’t stare at your watch the whole time you are running… stressful.
I don’t think “no new things” is a superstition – I think it’s just smart! I’ve had some BAD chafing and blisters from trying new things on race day.
I think be prepared for any weather is a good one – you never know what you’re going to get!
Erica @ Erica Finds recently posted…What’s in my Bag – NYC Half Marathon Edition
I think being prepared for everything is a solid strategy. Like you, I tend to be over-prepared with stuff for every possible situation…and I seldom ever need any of it. But, it gives me peace of mind having it at the ready.
I like the idea of petting all the dogs 🙂
I also never wear anything new on race day – did it once very early in my running career and paid the price (so much chaffing!). I don’t mind a little caffeine boost before I run – oddly the coffee doesn’t affect me.