Picture by:  Jake McKenzie

Happy race week Nashville! Coach Megan here!  I’ve put together some of my top five race day and race week tips for you heading into this exciting week as the biggest running race of the year takes over Music City.  Here are a few tips to remember:

1.  Don’t try anything new on race day.  Ensure you’ve practiced everything you’ll wear and eat on race day – from food to sunnies to socks to shoes.

2.  Don’t go out too fast!  This is a big one almost everyone is guilty of at some point in racing.  Stick to your plan.  If you and your coach have worked out a pacing plan – stick to it and don’t push faster until the last bit of the race.  Yes, you’re going to feel SO GOOD at the beginning of the race but there’s a reason why you’ve been training.  Nashville is a hilly course so pay attention to the elevation chart if you’re trying to get that personal record.  Trust the training and follow the plan, start easy, and finish stronger.

3.  Eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty.  A wise man once told me this. Take your nutrition before you think you need it at least every 5 miles or every 45 minutes and make sure you’re staying hydrated by drinking at least every 2 miles.

4.  Don’t worry about over-carbo-loading – it’s a myth to stuff yourself with carbs the night before (although it’s a wonderful excuse!).  Stick to eating things your belly is used to before a long run and no crazy amounts of fiber.  That way you can have a memorable run because of the run and not because of the runs.

5.  USE LUBE in any place you think might chafe.  (Vaseline, Body Glide, things of that nature…) You’re welcome.

Good luck and happy running!

Author: Megan Conner