Finish this sentence: "In the 6 days before I run a big race

nsking83
nsking83 Posts: 145
edited September 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Indianapolis Mini is a mere 6 days away (AHHHH!) I've been training for it since November.....probably not as hard as I should have in April due to major changes/ stress at work, but I feel ready.

That being said.....what are your tips? Food, sleep, clothes you wear on the day, good music to get yourself ramped up, runs the week of....let me hear it. It's my first big race and while my main goal is just finishing in under 2:45, I'd like to not feel like I need to sit in an ice bath for 2 days after, and even worse, I'd really like to come across the finish line with NO strains, sprains, etc. I'd also like to NOT puke halfway through :)

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Replies

  • OSUalum
    OSUalum Posts: 449 Member
    Hey fellow Buckeye! Good luck on your race!
    Unfortunately I don't have any tips because I haven't gotten that far myself yet. But I'll be there with you in spirit!
    Good luck!
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    In the six days before I run a big race I ....

    1. Do nothing different with regards to my workout routine. What I mean is, I dont try anything new. I dont bike or play tennis for the first time.
    2. Go for an easy 4 mile run on Monday or Tuesday and again on Thursday for a Sunday race -- I only run on Wednesday if its a Saturday race.
    3. Wednesday night for a Saturday race I carbo load with a stuffed baked potato. The night before the race I usually have a bit of carbs too - sometimes pasta and sometimes a potato, but I never eat beef or heavy meats.
    4. I dont eat any real new foods for that week ... I dont stuff myself, but I also allow my calories to rise a bit and eat at maintainance.
    5. The night before the race I lay out all of my clothes -- race bib etc so I dont have to worry about it. I set 2 alarms for the morning...

    Good luck girlie! You will have a great race if you believe in yourself! :)
  • nsking83
    nsking83 Posts: 145
    OSU Alum - it's still funny to me being called a Buckeye since I didn't grow up here - but living in Cbus, I have no choice, huh? Thanks for the well wishes!

    Emma - that helps a TON. Thanks for the help and encouragement :)
  • nsking83
    nsking83 Posts: 145
    Okay I know there are LOTS of runners out there that can contribute....help a girl out (please)! :):):)
  • liveinbliss
    liveinbliss Posts: 108 Member
    I'm running my first race, a 10k, next Sunday so I would love to know too. Sadly I have no advice since I have no idea what I'm doing either. I am following a training schedule my runs are already planned out for me so that I know what I am doing but as far as the food....I'm clueless! I hope more people respond too!
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    I haven't done a Half yet, but for the races I've run, it's pretty ritualistic as Emma spelled out. Make sure to taper down your runs this week, and I'd say give yourself at least two rest days before the race. Don't try anything radically new (this includes clothing types, shoes, food, other types of exercises, etc). Another piece of advice I've heard about a lot is to try to start at the back of the pack to maintain negative splits as opposed to overdoing the first part of the race, and struggling during the rest of it.
  • Nenor1234
    Nenor1234 Posts: 10 Member
    I've only done 2 half marathons 1st; 2hr53 2nd; 2hr 31. My advice in the build up would be not to to over do training and don't do anything new as said above. Put together a playlist of all your favourite upbeat music to keep you motivated. Wear stuff you've already worn so you know you'll be comfy. On the day, just pace yourself, don't get caught up in the buzz at the begining and over do it, you have a way to go so keep some in the tank, most importantly enjoy it!!! Take in the atmosphere and keep smiling!!! Also my top tip woiuld be warm up and cool down!! Lots of stretches and a nice hot bath afterwards, plenty of rehydration, i used powerade. After my 2nd run I just crossed the line and stopped and i kinda come over a bit queasy, def cool down properly. Hope that sort of helps, I too am a newbie to running so these are just my own experiences, also keen to hear what everyone else says :-)
  • whiskyzee
    whiskyzee Posts: 102 Member
    For a Sunday race, I run at or near the distance a week before (Mon), but at an easy pace (I might even walk a bit). I'm not interested in the time, but in the distance at that point. Tuesday, I walk my dog on a soft trail as a way to ease my muscles, but keep them flexible. Wednesday and Thurday, I do super short, slow jogs, followed by a serious cool down/stretch session (it's usually longer than the jog). Friday, walk and stretch. Also, Friday I start carbo-loading and hydrating (I live at high altitude, so this is a must--just be careful not to flush out your system totally. You need those electrolytes. I either put mint or lemon in my water, or drink Pedialite--it has less sugar than Gatorade). Same deal on Saturday, plus a good night's sleep. I second the advice that you shouldn't do anything crazy new. This is not a good time to shock your body in any way. Also, I agree that beef is not the best "get up and move" food. Stick to light lean proteins. Eggs are wonderful. Oh, I always do whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs for breakfast on race day. And I finish the race with a beer(s).
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