Empowering the Body: Race Week!

Setting Yourself Up For a Great Race Day

With many weeks of disciplined training now behind you, it’s time to check off a few last-minute items on your list of pre-race preparations to ensure that you really will have the race of your life.

Perhaps the most likely temptation with race day just a few days away now is to get one more hard and/or long workout in.  Big mistake!  At this point rest is best!  This does not, however, mean that you should lie on the couch for a week.  Instead, you should “taper” your training by significantly reducing the intensity and duration of your training sessions, but not necessarily the frequency.  You may also want to throw in one extra day of complete rest, perhaps on the day before the race.  Practicing your transitions a few times to reduce the anxiety that you may feel over this part of your race is also wise.

Get your bike checked out by a certified bike mechanic.  Ask them to tune it and lube it and make any necessary repairs.  Try to resist the temptation of buying any new race day clothing that you may not have a chance to train in at least once before race day.  Lastly, go to the Ramblin’ Rose website to print and study the race course maps and familiarize yourself with pertinent packet pick-up and race day information. 

Several days before the race, race organizers will email you a Digital Goodie Bag.  Be sure to read everything that is in this email.  Packet pick-up information, race day information, race course maps, last-minute announcements, and great sponsor promotions will all be included in your DGB.  And be sure to click on all of the included links to get completely informed on everything you need to know.  All of this will help you to keep a cool head and result in a stress-free countdown to race day.

On the Saturday before race day it is highly recommended that you get your race packet at packet pick-up.  Don’t wait until the morning of the race!  Race organizers will be there to answer any questions that you may have.  Also, since packet pick-up takes place at specialty retail stores, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase any last-minute items that you may need.  Before you grab dinner, be sure to drive the bike course.  Remember that staying on course on the day of the race is ultimately your responsibility, so take the time to do your homework.  Stay hydrated and don’t eat anything unfamiliar, greasy, and/or difficult to digest. 

Go to bed at a reasonable time and don’t worry if you can’t fall asleep immediately.  If you’re anxious, remind yourself that you have done everything possible to have a great race the following morning.  Be proud of how far you’ve come and trust that your body and mind are empowered in every way possible to carry you all the way to the finish line of the Ramblin’ Rose Women-Only Triathlon!