Pre-race superstitions/traditions/rituals/routines

3dogsrunning
3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member

    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
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    Same with the race shirt. It's for after the race, always.
  • Quickster34
    Quickster34 Posts: 209 Member
    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
    swtgrl42 Posts: 100 Member
    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
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    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
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    beer post race

    That goes without saying. Not just regular beer. Good, Beer Snob Beer.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    beer post race

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

    YES!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    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
    Kekibird Posts: 1,122 Member
    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
    Runningirl7284 Posts: 274 Member
    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
    bjbixler Posts: 253 Member
    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
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    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
    HJCsDaddy Posts: 419 Member
    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
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    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
    falsecho Posts: 81 Member
    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
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    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.
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