If the race goes off at 7:30AM, what time do you need to be at the start line? What do you need to eat, especially if you normally run at 5:30PM and use lunch as your last meal before your run? Do you get up at 5:00AM to give yourself two and a half hours to digest? And what do you eat? And is coffee or tea okay? Also, how many strides should you do and at what pace?

Race day is different than normal training days and when you combine these variables with the "pre-race jitters," there is a good chance that by the time the gun goes off you're anxious, at a minimum, and possibly stressed…which if obviously not the state you want to be in to race to your potential.

I had the pleasure of attending the Half Marathon Championships this past weekend in Houston as two athletes I work with ran the race (Brent Vaughn finished 3rd and Renee Metevier Baillie finished fourth). While they have their pre-race schedule down to a science in terms of foods and fluids, the 7:00AM start is much earlier than they're used to as they're primarily track runners. They did a great job getting ready to race, yet the point I want to make to you is they've been doing this seriously for a decade; they've already made numerous mistakes in their pre-race routine and they know what to do. Practice your pre-race routine and be ready to alter it for a conditions and start requirements of the race and you'll no doubt be more relaxed, giving yourself a chance to race well.

*Coach Jay’s advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

Interested in Coach Jay's General Strength videos? Click here to check them out.

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