I am a list maker. I love to create and then check off items on my to do list both daily and weekly. If you love list making too, creating a race day plan should be right up your alley. A race day plan can also help with race day anxiety. Ready to hear more?
What’s a race day plan?
You have already trained for your running race and now it’s time to start planning for your actual race day. A race day plan is a checklist and timetable for the day. It is a map of everything that you need on race day. Your plan will include your timetable of everything beginning the night before.
When to devise your plan
The earlier the better! Some of the final details will need to be added closer to race day but much of the general planning can be done weeks in advance. That way, you will also have time to do a practice “race day simulation”.
What to include in your race plan
All your gear
Anything and everything you plan to have on you day of the race including:
-shoes/socks
-all clothing you will wear
-accessories (hats, glasses, headphones)
-fuel/hydration items
-bib/bib belt/safety pins
-outerwear (rain gear?)
-electronics/tracking
Timetable for your race day
Race day eve
-The time you plan to eat your last meal and go to bed.
-Time to set your alarm
-Charge all devices
Race Day
-Waketime
-Breakfast time (and what you will eat and drink)
-Time of departure, arrival at the race site
-Parking/transportation info
-Gear check?
-Warm up plan
-Corral placement/timing
Hydration/Fueling Plan
What type of fuel and/or hydration do you plan to consume? How/where will you carry/store it?
-Which miles to hydrate/fuel? How much? How often?
-Know where fueling stations are on the race course
Pacing and Running Strategy
While you have (hopefully) practiced your race day pacing plan, writing it out is very helpful.
-What pace range do you plan to be in at the start of the race?
-Pace or heart race plan for the entire race
-Planned intervals or walk breaks?
Race Day Goals
Some people find it helpful to devise time goals for race day. Just making it to the finish line is a real goal especially if this is your first time running this particular distance. Other runners enjoy setting A or B or C goals. Whatever works for you is the way to go.
While we never really know what race day will bring, creating a plan will help take some of the anxiety and uncertainty away from the day. Your plan will help you remember all of your gear and stick to your schedule. Crafting your personal plan ahead of time will allow you to do a race day simulation and practice everything. Testing out all of your gear, hydration fueling numerous times is one of the keys to your success. Have a great race!
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I agree, Deborah, list is so important, no matter how many races we’ve done!
For my race last weekend I didn’t have a list. And I promptly forgot an adaptor for the electric plugs in Germany (Germany has different plugs from Switzerland). Which meant that I couldn’t charge my Garmin (or any other electrical device for that matter). After some panic, we managed to find a shop that sold the adaptor. Phew!
yes exactly! Having a list helps to take away any last minute stress
You are right, a series of lists is important to not have bad surprises on the race day.
However the n° 1 on my list is: to have fun!
I learned that the most important list must include all the things I have to bring with me (especially the all you gear during the race).
oh yes of course! This is supposed to be fun right
I love making lists and it really helps to stay organized leading up to the day of the race. Writing down what to pack as well as a schedule can definitely help with easing some of the race day anxiety!
Yes I find it really helpful as well
Great list.
I feel like a pro since I’ve run so many races but I always prepare in advance. Sometimes I still forget something important.
You do attend quite a few races! Always helps to take away anxiety to have a list
I’m a list-maker as well 😉 I’m also a recycler, so I use discarded envelopes (while at work) for such lists because they’re fairly small, but bulky enough that they won’t get misplaced LOL I usually start making lists (for races, at least) a good week in advance.
That is a great idea to use envelopes! Can’t be too prepared right?!
Before Covid, I was so accustomed to racing that I didn’t need to lay out a flat runner or make a list. Now I’m pretty rusty…This is a great reminder of everything we need to get lined up!
I am feeling pretty rusty myself!
Yep, i’m a planner! if you don’t organize these things in advance, race day can be really stressful. This really is a good reminder because i have’t raced in so long now- thanks!
same here! I am excited for mine next week
This is a helpful guide! I love my lists too, lol! Logistics can be really complicated when you travel for a race, that’s when I really have to make sure I have what I need!
yes, exactly planning is key for me
I have a really long checklist for gear (mostly to bring when traveling)!
I used to make a race day plan in my journal — back when I actually journaled. They can be super helpful and prevent a lot of anxiety.
I agree~! I am a little out of practice too
Excellent tips! Having a plan is so essential to a stress-free, successful day!
yes! I agree 100%
I always write myself out a detailed race day plan – it helps me feel so much more relaxed!
yes it does for me too
A race day plan is so important, especially for longer distance races. Great information.
thanks! I find it really helps me relax a bit more pre race