January Jumpstart Day 14: Preparing for race day + Handana giveaway

Happy Tuesday and welcome to Day 14! Can you believe we are almost half way through?

Today was a 5 mile run for me. Since I have absolutely nothing to do tonight and nowhere to be, I’ll be fitting in some abs and light weights at home.

Race Day prep

Whether this is your first race or you are a pro, there are still some things you need to do to be ready to race. I’m going to share with you what I do and what I’ve learned.

  • Train for it. You’d think that would be an obvious one. Even with no expectations of winning, you still need to put in some training. Skipping runs and not putting effort in can get you injured and at the very least disappoint yourself. If you’re going to pay for the race, you might as well train for it.
  • Check out the route. If it’s possible, run or drive the route ahead of time. Most races will put the route and elevation on their website. It’s good to know if there will be hills so you can prepare.
  • Check where the water stops are located, especially if you rely on them during a race. I wear my iFitness hydration belt in a half but it still needs refilling around mile 7. It scares me to be without water when I want it. I won’t normally run past a water stop if my bottle is empty.
  • Check the weather. I have a bad habit of over dressing for races. The in between temps get me. One of my friends says over 45 degrees is long sleeves, under 45 degrees is short sleeves. If there’s rain be prepared with dry clothes and shoes at the end. Wear a rain proof jacket if you have one, otherwise grab a trash bag. Put your phone in a baggy too.
  • Arrive early. Due to circumstances beyond by control, I arrived at a race last year with about 2 minutes to spare. Literally got in my corral and started my watch and we were off! I was a little panicky. Allow time for bathroom breaks, traffic, pictures, stretching and parking. At big races parking can be a mess.
  • Drink water. You should be anyway, but the days and week leading up to a race, make sure you are hydrated.
  • Eat well that morning. If it’s a 5k you may not need much. For a half I eat a bagel with peanut butter and banana. I eat it early to allow time to digest. I will drink something with electrolytes in it too.
  • Don’t wear something brand new. You never know what may be itchy, rub a blister or worse. You don’t want any race day wardrobe malfunctions!
  • Have fun, smile for the cameras and thank the volunteers!

We also have a great giveaway starting today from Handana. This is a great accessory for running. I needed it Sunday but left it in my gym bag (of course). I have fairly small hands, I wear a small Handana. Use your Handana to wipe sweat (or snot) from your face instead of your sleeve! It’s soft and machine washable. Available in lots of color options and different sizes.

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The giveaway runs from 8AM CST January 14, 2014 and ends 8Pm CST January 19, 2014. The winner will be announced January 20, 2014. No purchase necessary. Must be US resident to received the prize. Void where prohibited by law.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don’t forget about the Active Accessories giveaway going on.

Have you tried Handana?

What tips do you have for race day preparation?

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Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

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