Gym Belle's Quick and Dirty Last Minute Half Marathon Tips

So you've decided to run the Brooklyn Half.  Some of you decided this week; others have been training for months.  Either way, it's less than 48 hours away.  Here are my quick and dirty tips for a stress-free race day experience:

• Hydrate (starting now)
• Get your race day outfit picked out ahead of time.  You want to wear comfortable running clothes and socks (good socks are key!) that you've worn many times before.  This isn't the time to bust out your cute new Lulu whatever.
• Check the weather to see if you might want a layer that you check at the start.  Also, consider wearing a layer that you can throw away during the race as you warm up.  Discarded clothes get donated, so it's not totally wasteful.
• Know that even your lucky bra can chafe on race day.  To prevent that, use Body Glide or some other lube everywhere there's a seam that touches you and anywhere that skin might rub skin.  I also lube my toes to prevent blisters.
• Run in the shoes you usually run in.  Switching to a new shoe that's not broken in or that you're not used to can hurt.  And if you hurt, you run funny.  And if you run funny, you can hurt yourself.
• Figure out any race day/getting there logistics.
• Triple check that any electronic devices you want to use work and are fully charged.
• Pack your race day bag the night before.  Mine will include:
  • Salt - I take a salt shot usually around the time I check my bag.
  • Breakfast #2 - I eat my first breakfast 2 hours before the start, and my second 1 hour before the start.  They're usually both applesauce and protein powder.  Stick with familiar foods and stay away from fiber!
  • During race snacks: Gu, Jelly Belly's and maybe Gu Chomps
  • Water bottle - I almost always carry a small one that I'm willing to toss if it gets annoying.
  • NuSkin bandaid - just in case.  I've carried the same one for years.
  • Extra packet of Body Glide - also just in case.
  • Gaviscon - I sometimes get heartburn when I run.
  • IcyHot (for after)
  • iPod/headphones

• Think about the course.  As I see it, Saturday's race will have two distinct parts - the park and the highway. The park is a little hilly, but scenic.  The highway is flat, but monotonous.  If it's a sunny day, you might notice a temperature increase when you leave the shady park.  
• Think about how fast you want to start and whether you plan on picking up speed over time or staying steady.  Picture yourself crossing the finish line.  
• Get psyched!
• Get a good night's sleep!

Happy racing!

-Gym Belle-

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