Hi friends! I'm here today to talk a little bit about what I do the week before a race to ensure I am in top shape come race day. Or at least pretend I am :) This weekend I am signed up for another triathlon. Let's see if I can kick this cold by then.
While I am more than happy to share the things I do, it is important to note that these tips work best for me. What works for me might not work for everyone. It is important to find what works for you.
While I am more than happy to share the things I do, it is important to note that these tips work best for me. What works for me might not work for everyone. It is important to find what works for you.
1. Water!!!
You will not find me without some form of water bottle in my hand the days leading up to the race. The more water I can drink during the week, the better! I've even been drinking some Nuun while I teach lessons this week as I feel it gives me some added electrolytes while I'm slightly under the weather.
You will not find me without some form of water bottle in my hand the days leading up to the race. The more water I can drink during the week, the better! I've even been drinking some Nuun while I teach lessons this week as I feel it gives me some added electrolytes while I'm slightly under the weather.
2. Comfy shoes
Going out to dinner with the girls? Leave those heels at home if you know you have a race in a few days. Try and wear something comfy so your feet aren't bothering you come race day. Just pretend you're at the NCAA Tourney :)
Going out to dinner with the girls? Leave those heels at home if you know you have a race in a few days. Try and wear something comfy so your feet aren't bothering you come race day. Just pretend you're at the NCAA Tourney :)
3. No alcohol or fast food.
This one is not that hard for me as I don't indulge in either very often. I tend to stick to wholesome foods that fill me up and give me the energy and nutrients I need to have an awesome race on the weekend. Will one Subway sandwich or slice of pizza ruin your whole race? No. Is thinking about what you eat getting your mind and body to tackle the obstacle ahead? Yes!
This one is not that hard for me as I don't indulge in either very often. I tend to stick to wholesome foods that fill me up and give me the energy and nutrients I need to have an awesome race on the weekend. Will one Subway sandwich or slice of pizza ruin your whole race? No. Is thinking about what you eat getting your mind and body to tackle the obstacle ahead? Yes!
4. Don't try anything new.
I am a total freak of habit. I won't eat anything new, try a new pair of shoes or test out a new exercise routine. It might be me just being paranoid, but I wouldn't want to let something silly like a pair of sandals or new taco place to upset my chances of having the best race I can.
I am a total freak of habit. I won't eat anything new, try a new pair of shoes or test out a new exercise routine. It might be me just being paranoid, but I wouldn't want to let something silly like a pair of sandals or new taco place to upset my chances of having the best race I can.
5. Get lots of rest
Since I know I'm always too excited the night before a race to get a good night's rest, I do my best to stash extra shut eye the days leading up to the race. I know I need a decent amount of sleep to feel and perform my best. Sleep is how my body recharges its batteries. Luckily I have been doing pretty good in the sleep department this week, but that's probably because I am taking night time cold medicine.
Since I know I'm always too excited the night before a race to get a good night's rest, I do my best to stash extra shut eye the days leading up to the race. I know I need a decent amount of sleep to feel and perform my best. Sleep is how my body recharges its batteries. Luckily I have been doing pretty good in the sleep department this week, but that's probably because I am taking night time cold medicine.
I hope these ideas give you an idea of what works for me. My advice to newbies: know what works for you and stick to it. I'd love to hear what works for you! Do a trial run of race day. Practice doing exactly what you plan to on race day from the time you get up to what you eat for breakfast.