What To Do The Week Before A Race | Running Tips Leading Up To Race Day

In the week leading up to a race, whether it's your first or your 100th, it's completely normal to feel a whole range of emotions and wonder what you should be doing to make sure you hit the start line for your 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon or ultra in great shape.

We've got all the tips for what you should be doing in the build up to race day, including what and when to eat, checking your kit and getting plenty of sleep!

↓↓ What do you do the week before your race? Tell us in the comments below ↓↓

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[tushar]

I did my 1st 5 k run yesterday, m so happy woo hoo

[paulblissett]

Obviously in the week leading upto a race you'd watch all episodes of "The Running Channel" 😁👍

[Kaizen]

1: Check the weather forecast
2: Check the Running Route
3: Carb load, (eat more carbs)
4: Get a good night sleep
5: Warm up before the run
6: Relax
7: Prepare your running kit the day before

[hibachiagent]

My advice is your first few 5k's, don't take them too serious. Have fun and talk with people beside you. These can be great events with friendly people.

[derekbushman]

So my friend who does ironmans put it to me this way..."the day before a race, act like you have the flu" haha its never failed me :)

[joeculligan]

Lovely as always!! I like to do lots of stretching and foam rolling. It keeps my muscles loose without taxing them too much. I will also do aerobic activities that will not put too much strain on my legs such as swimming and bike riding. Lastly I will do a ride through of the course if I can and scope out any parking issues or travel arrangements that need to be handled. That is usually easy for me to do because I usually race close to home. Always good to be prepared.

[kaileyparts]

Watching this the night before my marathon

[angiep]

First 5K is in two days. Been training for this for 6 months and just got to the 3 mile distance. So excited!

[That__girl.]

I'm a freshman varisty runner about to run my first race 5k! I'm watching this to calm my nerves and prepare me mentally I'm so nervous and excited!!

[tetehl]

I'm running on the 23rd of Feb Half Marathon! Thanks for the tips! 💪👌💝🔥

[wolfsrule]

After 9 months of waiting and training...my first 5k is next week! I’m not sure if I’m excited or freaking out 😂

[tammylawrence]

I have only been running for a year. I JUST found your channel this morning trying to get a machine 5k. It’s Global Hug A Runner Day. Lol. Thank you for all the insights and I’m kicking myself for not having found this channel sooner. But not too hard because, you know, treadmill.

[janedoea]

I walked lots day before! I visited Houston n of course i met up with family and friends... big mistake i learned the hard way 😁 never again and I learned from this experience. Im running Houston 26.2 again next year .. I embraced the mistakes i made to be better prepared for it 2nd time .... thanks

[franceseast]

Pre-race breakfast: take a whole wheat hotdog bun and put unsweetened peanut butter and jelly in it. Then put a banana in it. Top with a little chocolate. I like to have a greek yoghurt and apple sauce on the side.

[northernninjarunner]

I got some Plastic Run Clips for the race number just push together and doesn’t damage you’re clothing. Lots of different ones and you can even get custom ones.

[ryanspriggs]

thanks for the 1st half marathon on Sunday!

[bushmasterflash]

Alarm clock, alarm clock, alarm clock!
A bad nights sleep followed by sleeping in because you are tired and forgot to set the alarm clock(s) is a disaster.

[jimrad]

Running the virtual London on Sunday...this is sagely wisdom, thank you!

[AndNowIJustSitInSilence]

I have my first 10k race in four days. haven't actually been running that much due to an injured ankle but did other kind of workouts. I actually only ran one full 10k during my training. so hoping for the best, especially some extra adrenaline and peer pressure that will pull me through. I just don't want to arrive last

[Fusspilzsammler]

asked my neighbor (ironman veteran) what his night befor raceday looks like.
His answer: 1a.m. a plate of spaghetti, 3a.m. a plate of spaghetti, 5a.m. last plate of spaghetti and one or two hours of sleep... xD