Race Week Ritual

Hey y’all! I’m Liz from Southern Charm and am so excited and honored to be guest posting today at Running With Sass. I read Heather’s blog daily and am such a huge fan!

Today I wanted to chat about race week rituals. Yep, you read right, week. When I prep for any race, I always perform the same acts. Maybe it’s a mental thing, but I swear it helps me on race day! I set it up so my race day, does feel like a race day aka I don’t stress myself, and then psych myself out!

One Week Out:

I start with my last “medium” run. This isn’t really a term that is used, but for me, I go farther than an easier run but shorter than a long run, i.e. the distance of the race. The run is always followed by a stretch and foam rolling session.

After that run, I start fueling correctly. Lots of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. There is also either water, powerade or coconut water by my side. I try to switch between them all because each offers their own version of hydration.

It makes your dehydrating drinks after the race that much more enjoyable

During The Week:

The week before a race, there is lots of yoga and maybe one or two easy runs. The intensity of my foam rolling sessions are increased to make sure I am not tight anywhere.

I still focus on hydrating, eating right and I start making sure I get a full nights rest. To help me sleep, I either drink sleepy time tea or use this amazing discovery.

One spray, I’m totally relaxed and fall right asleep! And there are no side effects aka I am not groggy in the morning! Happy Liz!

Three Days Out:

This is my favorite. Three days out from the race, I start carb-o loading, with a carbohydrate at every meal.

With vegetables on top, it’s still healthy, right?!

Day Before:

My only change is that I take inventory! I set out my clothing, nano, running watch and race fuel{caffeinated jelly beans are my favorite!}. I also charge my running watch and nano. Oh! And I make sure I have either an amazing running list or a super interesting book {the Sookie Stackhouse series are my fave!}.

Take care of transportation to and from the race. When planning to the race, give yourself plenty of time! I usually schedule in a stop at a gas station or fast food restaurant for a pit stop because they races I have been to, well, port-a-potties have been lacking in number.

Day Of:

Because of all the preparation during the week, you literally don’t have to think the morning of your race! I just put on my clothes I have laid out, chug a bottle of water, grab my items I laid out and go! So simple.