Pre-Race Week Tips:

First off, Congratulations to everyone for making it to the final week before the goal. It is hard to believe that Team Stans began 16 weeks ago!


I wanted to throw out a few pointers that can help give you a positive experience come race day and during/after the race.


1.) HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!
- Many novice runners make the mistake of hydrating the night before the big race... It will not benefit a runner to hydrate in this way, in fact it will only hinder. Begin today (if you have a hard time/dislike drinking plain water) with drinking at least 60-70 oz/day -That is the equivalent to about 4 water bottles. Hydrating your body the week before greatly increases the absorbtion of water within our muscles which will help in preventing cramping and fatigue.

- The day before add a bit more water consumption into your day (DON'T OVERDUE IT)... If you are peeing frequently, you are most likely good to go :) This is also important because you will not want to overdue it the morning of the race, as the subway trip/long bathroom lines at the start are torture when nature calls.


2.) Pre-Race Meal and Race day Fuel

- Please take advantage of the Pasta Party that Wendy is hosting at her house. Pasta is the best thing to eat the night before a running event. High amounts of Carbohydrates or Carb Loading is what will keep your energy suffient up to the end of the race. Along with your fill of pasta, you could also have bread, fruit, salad, desserts (don't overdue it-save that for the tailgate party). Continue drinking water and gatorade or juice the night before race.

-When you wake up the morning of the race, give your self 3 hours before race to have a nice breakfast. I have always found that a bagel with peanut butter and a bananna work well. If you are going to be on the course for close to 2 hours or more, you should also bring a granola bar or something that has some extra healthy calories that you can consume if you feel really hungry in your corral.

--- During race, take water at each water station (at least in the beginning of the race-first few miles)... I always feel it is better to at least take a sip of water then not take any and all the sudden you are more focused on the next water stop instead of the next mile marker. At the same time, you do not want to over hydrate and get stomach cramps. The way I gadge if I am in need of water or not is if I feel my mouth becoming dry or what we call "Cotton mouth". If that occurs, I know I need to get a cup of water. Even if it is just to swish around and spit out, it is better than nothing.

--- Post-Race: After you have completed your goal of finishing the race, be sure to grab a water and a snack on your way out of finish area. If you are really tired/fatigued, Do your best to continue walking through finish area... DO NOT SIT DOWN unless you feel faint as it makes it harder for your muscles tighten/cramp after the long race.

3). During the post-race festivities, Eat/drink your face off and feel no shame doing so!!!

If anyone has any other questions, please respond via comment and I can answer any other questions!