Pre-race superstitions/traditions/rituals/routines

3dogsrunning

Runner's World had a Facebook post on this before and I thought it was pretty interesting. So I thought I would check out what MFPer's do prior to a physical competition. It doesn't have to be race, it can be any type of competition.

I don't have too much. My breakfast is always a Cliff bar. And I NEVER wear the race shirt until the race is complete.

What are yours?

iplayoutside19

I NEVER wear the race shirt until the race is complete.

That's probably my only one. The race shirt is worn after you get cleaned up from the race.
I found this on the trail running site I read frequently:

http://www.psychowyco.com/id74.html

KimertRuns13_1

Same with the race shirt. It's for after the race, always.

Quickster34

I had a few when i ran track in college, always steak or pasta with alfredo sauce the night before, same shirt over my jersey on race day, same songs during my warm up , always an ice bath after day 1 of a 2 day meet. i can go on and on!

swtgrl42

agree, can't wear shirt until race is done.
me too on the cliff bar morning of race
have to use the 4 safety pins from the expo to pin bib
warm up walk/run at home before going to race
beer post race

funny how we develop these rituals
great thread!

BAMFMeredith

Always have my fingernails painted some loud color/pattern.
Always have my toenails painted hot pink. Don't know why, and nobody can see them, but I do it anyway.
My breakfast is always a small bowl of oatmeal, 2 slices of turkey bacon, and then I have a small apple 30 minutes before the race starts.
And I have hot pink shoelaces that I have put in every new pair of running shoes I get. Always have to have the hot pink laces.

Then a nice big tex-mex brunch at my favorite place after the race

iplayoutside19

beer post race

That goes without saying. Not just regular beer. Good, Beer Snob Beer.

3dogsrunning

beer post race

That goes without saying. Not just regular beer. Good, Beer Snob Beer.

YES!

3dogsrunning

Always have my fingernails painted some loud color/pattern.
Always have my toenails painted hot pink. Don't know why, and nobody can see them, but I do it anyway.
My breakfast is always a small bowl of oatmeal, 2 slices of turkey bacon, and then I have a small apple 30 minutes before the race starts.
And I have hot pink shoelaces that I have put in every new pair of running shoes I get. Always have to have the hot pink laces.

Then a nice big tex-mex brunch at my favorite place after the race

I read a bio on an elite runner in one of the running magazines who did the same thing (toenail color) I think that is a really fun idea.

Kekibird

I eat plain oatmeal two hours before race even if that means getting up at 4:30 to do so. I usually then go back to bed and nap a little till I'm ready to get up.

I wear the same running jacket and pants. I do a quick jog then stretch for warm-up.

Oh and I take a picture of my number so I can make a display photo. I'm running 12 races this year so I've started this tradition to document my runs.

And when I run, I listen to Deadmau5 Strobe.

Runningirl7284

Plenty of water the day before and very careful of what I eat nothing greasy, spicy etc. the day before
Day before day of rest for the race no workout
I also paint my nails and toes pink!
I lay out everything the night before the race, usualy something with pink in it including compression sleeves for my legs
I do not wear my race tee until after the race I don't know how so many people race in them I like sleeveless and dri-fit so much more comfortable
I eat a banana and protein bar before race.
Small warmup and stretch before the race also I pump myself up with some music

bjbixler

beer post race

That goes without saying. Not just regular beer. Good, Beer Snob Beer.

YES!

DOUBLE YES!

And you can't wear the shirt until you've earned it.

mlb929

Charge my ipod. The shuffle last 4 days w/o charging and has about that many songs - however, I fear I will run out of music. Heck, I could get lost right?

HJCsDaddy

I am pretty traditional, regardless if it's a 5k, 10k, trail run, or a half-marathon, I carb load the night before, usually a good helping of pasta, then race morning I ALWAYS eat an egg mcmuffin from McD's. I read in "Eat this not that" on Men's Health that they were the perfect race day breakfast and lo and behold, I agree (may be completely psychological too Ü). Then the following work day wear the race shirt. I am currently training for a St. Patty's day half! Good luck everyone on their upcoming races!

rybo

I don't really have any now.
But back when I ran track I did the same warm up & how I got down into my blocks, how I started out my run up to the long/triple jump. No socks when I wore my racing spikes.

Although I don't wear a race shirt in the race it's not really because of any superstition, but because most times they are ugly and just get worn while i am bumming around or if they are nicer, while out on a run.

falsecho

Charge up the Ipod, set clothes out. (Never wear the same combo twice)
Eat a bagel or English Muffin 2 hours before race.
Run race and then complain that I could have done better.
Switch out of sweaty clothes to earned tshirt then go to breakfast of 4 egg western omelete.

trijoe

I wish I could drink after a race. I'm usually so wiped out, the idea of alcohol is a dangerous concept.

I have a huge pasta dish 2 day prior. Spaghetti works, but my favorite is asian style rice noodles in broth washed down with a boba tea. Oh goodness.

I have a pair of socks that I always wear. Can't imagine racing in any other pair. When they finally wear out, I'm gonna have to retire from racing.

Used to do 2 cliff bars before every race, but I'm developing an aversion to them. Now I do granola bars. Clif's crunch bars work quite nicely!

T-shirt ALWAYS after the race. Usually right over the sweaty shtuff.