The Ultimate Race-Week Checklist: Finish Strong & Stress-Free
Race week is finally here! The single most important factor between a great race and a stressful morning comes down to one thing: preparation. Here is your essential race-week checklist.
Race week is finally here! You have put in weeks of training, logged early morning miles, and built up your endurance. Now, the single most important factor between a great race and a stressful morning comes down to one thing: preparation.
On race day, the last thing you want is last-minute panic searching for safety pins, dealing with unexpected shoe blisters, or realizing your GPS watch is out of battery. Being thoroughly prepared allows you to stay calm, lock into your mindset, and enjoy every mile.
What to Pack & Prepare
To set yourself up for success, narrow your essentials down to these crucial items:
Race Bib & Safety Pins: Pick up your bib early at the expo and pin it to your shirt the night before. Tip: write your emergency contact info on the back so you are ready to go the moment you wake up.
Tested Running Shoes & Socks: Never wear brand-new gear on race day. Stick with moisture-wicking socks and trusty shoes you have already broken in — aim for a pair you have logged at least 30 to 50 miles in.
Nutrition & Hydration: Pack the exact gels, chews, or drink mix you practiced with in training. Plan to take gels every 30 to 45 minutes during long races (10 milers, half marathons, and full marathons) with water.
GPS Watch: Charge it fully overnight so you can accurately pace yourself. Set your pacing alerts the night before so you do not start out too fast when the adrenaline hits.
Eliminate race-day guesswork so you can focus entirely on crossing that finish line strong!
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