This week our Tuesdays on the Run Linkup is all about race day mistakes. Have you made one/some? I sure have, and I lived to tell about them.
Going Out Too Fast. We all do it, I still do it sometimes, and I’ve paid dearly for it. Blasting off the starting line is so tempting because we’re feeling fresh, rested and anxious to get going. It seems like everyone around you is doing it too so it can be hard not to get swept up in the excitement. But going out faster than you trained to do will inevitably end up in a crash and burn situation. The faster you go out, the sooner and harder you’ll crash. Even though it may feel like you’re crawling at a snail’s pace, try your best to stick to the pace prescribed in your race plan. You can always pick it up later if you’re still feeling strong.
Giving Up Mentally. When the going gets tough, the tough are ready with distractions, mantras and other strategies to keep themselves going. Just like anything else, mental tenacity takes practice. Practice confidence-building positive self-talk during all of your training runs.
Divide and conquer a long race course in your head. When you’re really hurting smile wide and say out loud “I’ve so got this” or “running is tough but I’m tougher”. Read more about Mental Tips and Tricks for Running here.
Improper Fueling/Hydration. As you train, it’s so important to establish what fuel works for you and practice the intervals that work best for your body. Don’t race with anything you haven’t already tried in training. Find out ahead of time what fuel/hydration will be offered on the course at water stops. Also find out what the frequency of the water stops will be. Or choose to carry your own.
Failure to Adjust Goals. It’s great to have goals and plans but there are also times when it’s important to be flexible enough to alter them on the fly. Extreme race day weather or course changes can throw a kink in your pacing plan and it can be downright dangerous to proceed as if conditions were ideal. While its never easy to back off of a goal pace you spent months training for, it is often wise to change gears and back off.
Being Unprepared. Get your gear ready as much as possible the night before. Start with your head and work down to your shoes, laying out your race day outfit, accessories, fuel and electronics. Attach your bib and timing chip so you’re not fumbling around on race morning. If you’re traveling, bring along clothing for all kinds of weather. Allow more than enough time to travel to the race location and park. Review the course materials so you know where gear check is, your corral, the port-a-potties, etc. Set up a post-race reunion spot with family and friends ahead of time.
Have You Made Race Day Mistakes?
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Busted. You got me on these (some of them several times LOL). Racing keeps us humble, doesn’t it? 😉
definitely have made these mistakes!!! the good thing about mistakes though is that you can really learn from them for the next time. Or, maybe the time after that… hahaha!
I think the worst really is going out too fast. I hit the wall so extremely hard during my marathon in Cologne at 28KM that I actually felt like I was running through molasses backwards…
I’ve made all of these mistakes. 🙁
I have definitely been guilty of failure to adjust goals — I had a lot of practice with that this year, and I actually think I did a pretty good job of it. Or maybe that’s a discussion to have with Rachel . . .
Giving up mentally. Yup, been there, done that, and again — just this year! I totally HATE when I do it, too.
It’s like you know me or something… :p. I go out too fast on a regular basis. It’s hard to run slow when the legs feel fresh. The run/walk intervals have definitely helped me with pacing.
I probably always go out to fast, but I have learned to check myself and dial it back early on. As for fuel, I’ve learned he hard way that what you eat the day before makes a big difference too. It is not the time to go overboard with spicy Indian food ….
I’ve definitely been guilty of going out too fast and also giving up mentally. Both are things I’ve had to work on over the years!
I was definitely all sorts of unprepared on the second race I ever ran but it did (thankfully) end up turning out okay! (My friend and I both survived and finished, haha.) If I ever do another one again, I definitely want to prep + train better!
I like the way you worded it – start with your head and make your way down to your toes! That will definitely insure you don’t miss anything. I’m going to add this to race day prep in the future! Thank you!!
Guilty as charged.
I have a really LONG list that I will post at a later time.
My biggest faux-pas is obsessing about a bad performance. Celbrate Finish Lines not Finish Times. But I forget.
Yup. I didn’t train on proper terrain for my last race, and I mentally checked out after the 5th mile. It certainly didn’t make for an enjoyable last push to the finish line.
I’d be surprised if anyone would answer that they’d never made a race mistake… I definitely have. I have gone out too fast or didn’t fuel properly. It makes such a huge difference to pay attention to these (minor) details 😉
Going out too fast is a mistake I have made so many times! It really can ruin your race.
I have made all of these mistakes in one race or another!
Great tips! I think the mental strength is a huge one…I always try to keep myself motivated even when I’m struggling in a race. It makes a huge difference!
I’m totally guilty of giving up mentally in race 🙁 Luckily I’ve gotten better about that now but it’s still always a struggle!
I couldn’t agree more about not going out too fast. I think it’s the most common mistake.
Love “What the mind believes the body achieves”. Learned that first hand with my recent BQ. (I may have to use that on an IG post) 😉
I have definitely made all of these mistakes at one time or another!