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	Race Logistics

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Most races have very good websites packed with all the information you will need. Take advantage of this and study them carefully. The more prepared you are for every aspect of the race the more comfortable you will be on race day.

In particular study the course. Study the elevation profile, turns, aid stations, any tricky or challenging section ... Start putting together your pacing, hydration, and nutrition strategies. Maybe print out a map of the course to carry along with you. Consider making a time table with columns for the aid stations (number or name), mileage from start, miles from last aid station, and the time you expect to get there. You could include several times for an okay, good, and great performance. Add to this any notes or reminders to yourself. Get it laminated or carry it in a plastic bag. This helps you know if you are on target to meet your goal time or if you got lost somewhere. The longer distance/time you run the less you will be able to think clearly, so having it written down is a huge help.

Try to stay off your feet as much as possible the day before a race. You don't want to get to the starting line with tired legs.

Frequently running groups or groups of friends will meet up and run together at least through the first, most critical miles. This is great because you will be familiar with the runners around you. These groups tend to splinter in the second half of the race as individuals try to improve on their performance and others hang back.

You need to consider a few things as you prepare for a race. First of all what are the conditions going to be in the race as far as weather, hot or cold, elevation, terrain, humidity, wet, dry, sunny, cloudy, or windy.

If it is REALLY cold then wear some extra old clothes that you don’t mind throwing away. Or stop by a thrift store and pick something up. When you start running you will quickly warm up and start to take off the extra layers of clothes. Try to throw them down at aid stations or sometimes you’ll see a pile of discarded clothes. Putting them in a pile makes it easier for folks to clean up afterwards. Frequently races will collect these discarded clothes and donate them to a charitable organization.

If you are not totally sure you will be comfortable without your extra clothes, then take it off and either hold it in your hand or tie it around your waist. Conditions can change especially in longer distance races. It may be windier in other places on the course or cooler because of elevation gain (the temperature drops about 3 degrees per thousand feet of elevation gain) or the weather could change and it may start raining.

If it is cold or rainy a disposable poncho may make you a lot more comfortable. An Emergency Raincoat can be made from a trash bag. This will serve to keep you dry and warm. It is small, lightweight (I carry one all the time) and it can make a huge difference in your level of comfort. Also, being inexpensive you can throw it away. However, if there is a chance it will get cold or start raining again, you might want to fold it up and stuff it into a pocket or pants so you can use it later. It could even come in handy after the race if it will be a while before you can get to your gear. Some races provide mylar blankets to keep you warm. You might want to save this to use before or after another smaller race.

Remember that when you stop running you will quickly cool down. In races with the same start and finish lines some people will take off an old coat right before the start and stash it in a tree or even hide it. If it’s there when they finish then fine, if not it’s no big loss.

Is it a large race or a small race? For large races you will need to arrive early. Using mass transportation may be your best bet because you may have to park some distance from the race start and finish lines. Be sure to pack everything that you will need before, during, and after the race in your bag. Remember to take along a hard copy of anyone's telephone number that you might need in case of an emergency or to meet up before or after the race.

If at all possible, pick up your race bib early at an expo or local running store. This saves you the hassle of negotiating the crowds on race day. Note that some races will not let you pick up your bib on race day. Also, take the time to pin the bib to either the front of your shirt or pants before you put them on.

The day before the race, take it easy and try to stay off your feet. Eat foods that you know will not cause any issues. Get everything ready for your race. Have a list of everything you need for race day. Set everything out and organize it early in the evening. Check your list at least twice. And don’t just think “Yes I have that” actually lay your eyes or hands on it. It’s easy to check off items in your head that are not actually present.

Know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Do whatever is necessary to make things go smoothly on race day.

Make your pre-run/race a ritual. That way you will be more calm, relaxed, and less nervous come race day because everything will be familiar.

Check your alarm(s) twice.

Now everything IS ready so you can relax. There should not be a last minute panic or a doubt that you don’t have something. If there is then check it and set your mind at ease. Now you can get a good night’s sleep because there’s nothing to worry about.

When you arrive at the race, check in and get your bib if you haven’t already at the race expo. Be sure to allow plenty of time to get to your starting area. If you have arranged to meet up with friends this can help pass some of the time before the race.

As race time approaches you will need to use the port-a-potty (bring extra toilet paper and share with others), apply sunscreen or lip balm as needed, check your bag (be sure you have everything you'll need with you like sweatband, nutrition, pre-race drink, hat, GPS watch), and warm up as best you can. In large races you may not be able to do much more than some running in place and dynamic warmup. Be considerate of the people around you.

You need to warm up for about 10-15 minutes before a race or hard workout. This should include some very easy/slow running or brisk walking and some dynamic stretching. Try to do this about 30 minutes before the start. This may be difficult in big races with the crowds and line for the porta-a-potty, but do the best you can. As a last resort, take the first mile or two at a pace 2-3 minutes per mile slower than race pace to give your body and muscles a chance to warm up and working efficiently.

While you are waiting for the race to start consider how tightly your shoes are tied. Your feet swell during a run so you don’t want them too tight, but then you don’t want them so loose that they rub and cause a blister.

Most large races provide pacers. These are volunteers who will run the race and expect to finish in a specific time. They usually carry some kind of sign that indicates their finish time. For a half marathon, there may be pacer for every 5 to 10 minutes from 3 hours down to 1:30. These very experienced pacers usually are very content to be running the race at the advertised pace. If you have trouble holding a pace, stick close to a pacer. The only negative is that the pacers, being capable of much faster times, will hold that pace uphill, downhill, and they don't slow down at water stations. Of course, you don't have to stay with a pacer through the whole race. You can drop back or pull ahead. Even if you don't use them they are a good indication of where you stand to finish.

Races provide aid stations every couple of miles along the route. Usually they offer some electrolyte sports drink first followed by water. Some half and full marathons will offer a gel or goo somewhere in the last half of the race.

Longer race should have port-a-potty on the course, but there may be a waiting line.

After the race, you can pick up any food, drink, souvenir items that they hand out. Then make your way to get your checked bag. In your checked bag you may want to include some dry clothes including socks, and shoes, a warm-up, raingear, coat, and hat depending on the weather, hand sanitizer, a snack, phone, contact information and money for any souvenirs you want to purchase. Many races have an after party. If you are meeting up with friends or waiting for friends to finish the race, it may be a while before you leave (see Meet Up With Friends).

If it's possible, bring a chair to a race, especially longer races. Then when you finish, sit down, relax, start recuperating, enjoy talking and sharing stories with friends and cheering the people who were out there longer than you would want to be out there.