Race Day Advice

Natalie - I saw your post. I have so much confidence in you that it's ridiculous and slightly embarrassing. Remember to have fun. NO ONE asks you what your time was after the race - most can hardly comprehend trying a half, much less finishing. You've got this!!

I got this email this morning from my training team and I thought it might also be helpful for the 4 of us on this blog :) So enjoy:

As for eating - eat something you know your body with easily digest. You'll be full of nerves. I eat the most on Thursday night and then a simple pasta meal on Friday evening and lots of water. I eat 2-3 eggs the morning of the race and then I take a gatorade pre-game fuel pack to eat 15-20 minutes before the start of my race. Get to your race EARLY. You'll probably want to use the bathroom at least once and the lines can be long. So last year - we got there and immediately got in line for the bathroom even though we didn't need to go. Sure enough - I did once I got the front of the line.


1. Remember to pick up your race packet!  Today or tomorrow

Arthur Ashe Athletic Center
3001 A N. Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23230

2012 Expo Hours:
Thursday, November 8: 5 - 9 pm
Friday, November 9: 11 am - 9 pm

2. Get a good night's sleep tonight.  You may not sleep as well the night before the race.

3. Item Check List (If you haven't already, it's a good idea to get everything you need for race day together today.)

___ running shirt (the dark blue technical shirt)

___ running shorts/skirt/pants

___ socks

___ sports bra

___ running shoes (Not the ones you just bought at the Expo)

___ race bib (already pinned on your shirt)

___ road ID or other ID

Optional Items

___ Body glide/gel/chap stick (highly recommended)

___ energy gel/chews/gummy bears/Mike-n-Ike

___ salt packets (if you used during training)

___ sunscreen

___ big plastic garbage bag

___ gloves (Hot Hands)

___ toilet paper (not all Port-a-Johns are created equal)

___ sunglasses/hat/visor

___ running watch

___ hydration bottle

___ running belt/fanny pack

___ nip-guards/band-aids

___ safety pins for bib

___ hair bands/bobby pins

___ camera

___ Advil/Tylenol (Aid station will only give you two)

___ toll money/cash for post race goodies

___ beach towel for post race stretching

Post Race

___ long-sleeve shirt and sweat pants (can check bag)

___ arm warmers or knee socks

___ ear warmers

___ second pair of shoes or flip flops

___ snacks/drinks

Words of Wisdom from Mark:

Coming down the home stretch!  I’ve always found that the “taper” portion of the training program is the most difficult.  So if you’re feeling anxious/irritable/etc. that is very normal!  The challenge is to take that nervous energy and put it into something positive.

At this point you should be concentrating on doing all the right things.  You should be getting plenty of sleep, eating the right foods, and laying out your gear for race day!  Something that always gives me comfort is having a detailed plan for arriving early on race day. 

I’ll be getting up at least three hours before the race starts (that’s 4:30 a.m.).  I’ll be getting to my parking space sometime before 6:00 a.m. because that’s when the street closings start.  In previous years I’ve had great experience using the one of public parking decks, either 3^rd and Marshall or 5^th and Marshall.  It is convenient to the starting line and the Marriott Hotel is “runner friendly” warm open space and bathrooms.   The Marriott is also close to the starting line and easy access to Interstate 64/95.

Rest assured that if you’ve done the program you are absolutely prepared! 

Don’t forget to breathe and believe!!!