Do you have a big race coming up? Your first marathon or half marathon? One that you’re hoping to PR or smash some goals? Maybe qualify for Boston? If you do, here are some things you need to do the night before your big race.
29 Things You Should Do the Night Before Your Big Race
Have a big race in the morning? Here's what you should do the night before. Click To Tweet
I admit it, this is a big list. You probably don’t need to do everything on it. But, just as a packing list helps you prepare for vacation (or racecation!), or a grocery list helps you on your shopping trip, this list can help you remember the important things you should do the night before your big race so you don’t have an “oh my gosh, I forgot…” moment the next morning. So in no particular order, here are 29 things you should do the night before your big race.
Side note: You may know that Alan is a race announcer. I can’t tell you how many times runners approach him and request that he ask the crowd if they have a variety of things from socks to shoes.
1. Drink up.
Stay hydrated, especially for longer distance races like the marathon or half marathon.
2. Eat normally.
This can be difficult if you’re on the road, but try to eat as close to your normal diet as possible.
3. Go to bed at your regular time.
Yes, you may be excited and nervous, but you probably have to get up early so get to bed on time.
4. Get your outfit lined up…
So you won’t be fumbling around in the morning.
5. And photographed.
Don’t forget to post your “Flat Runner” on Instagram!
6. Visualize success.
Take the time to review your race in your head, how great you will feel, and how well you will run.
7. Take it easy…
Now is not the time for a tough workout or to explore a new city.
8. …But keep moving.
It’s also not the time to just completely sit on your butt.
9. Roll it out.
Spend a little quality time with your foam roller before bed, but keep it short and sweet. If you’ve never foam rolled, now is not the time to start.
10. Pack your race bag…
Have your warmups and post-race clothing ready to go.
11. Including your recovery gear.
Your recovery kit should include massage or lacrosse balls, comfy shoes, sunscreen, post-race hydration, and fuel.
12. Review your race day plan.
You’ve got one, right? If not, here’s what to plan ahead for both the marathon and half marathon.
13. Check your logistics for the next morning.
Check everything from where you’re meeting your friends, directions to the race start, and parking (including any fees if necessary).
14. Attach your chip and bib.
Do this the night before so you don’t forget in the morning.
15. Limit (or skip) alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is very dehydrating, plus a hangover doesn’t equal a great performance the next day.
16. Take some time to unwind before bed.
Chances are you’re a bit nervous or tense, so wind down before bed by meditating or reading a little to help yourself relax.
17. Check your alarm.
It would be a huge bummer to train so hard for a race then oversleep in the morning!
18. Pack your headphones.
If you listen to music when you run be sure to pack (and charge) your headphones the night before.
19. Charge your phone/camera/music player.
Um, yes. We all know this, but we still sometimes forget.
20. Fill any hydration bottles you plan on bringing.
Whether you carry your own during the race or sip on water or electrolytes beforehand, have your bottles filled and ready to go the night before.
21. Prepare your race fuel.
Prepare and pack whatever you plan to eat before and during the race.
22. Charge your race watch.
Make sure to get a full charge on your GPS watch, especially for longer distance races.
23. Take one last look at the final instructions.
Just in case you (or I) missed something.
Big Race Advice from Instagram
Of course, I had to do a little crowdsourcing on Instagram and asked my followers for their best advice.
And of course, they had great advice to share:
24. Anna @ pipersrun Night before a big race….charge my Garmin beside bed or near car keys…so you don’t leave without it or uncharged.
25. Lisa @ milebymileblog The night before a big race I like to eat my usual prerun meal, nothing new even if I’m traveling! And drink lots of water.
26. Deb @ debrunsfit Pre-race tips: make sure everything is charged, put everything together in one place, leave notes taped to the door you’ll be leaving through reminding you of anything else you don’t want to forget.
27. Kendall @ kpokorski7 The night before a big race I like to look over the course again on Mapquest and mentally go over my race plan; I like to visualize myself finishing strong! I also like briefly look at all the training I have done leading up to the race, which gives me confidence! I try to just relax and put myself in a positive headspace!
28. Toni @ runninglovingliving The night before a race I relax with one glass of wine, helps my pre-race nerves
29. Kimberly @ runningonthefly My tip… I lay everything out in “flat runner” form so it’s ready & waiting 👍
Here’s your free printable Race Checklist: Things You Should Do the Night Before Your Big Race!
So my fellow runners and racers. What is your best tip for what you should be doing the night before your big race?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
This is a great checklist! Actually, one thing I always do before a race is make a list of what I need do to:) So having a list already would be so helpful!
So there you go!
Where was this when I was running marathons? LOL I think the best advice is to have everything laid out the night before you go to bed. You’ll sleep a lot better.
That’s the main gist of this list. Getting everything ready the night before so you don’t stress about it the morning of the race.
yes, laying everything out the night before is a huge help. I do all of these before every race
It takes so much stress off you shoulders when you have everything set out the night before!
This is great.
It’s important for peace of mind to have everything ready the night before.
If only I had a printer lol.
Well, you can have it online even if you can’t print it. 🙂
How have I never seen that Seinfeld episode? Lol.
Checking parking fees is such a great tip. I almost forgot once and I don’t always carry money with me.
Parking logistics drive me crazy! This Seinfeld episode has always cracked me up.
Great advice! It’s so easy to forget about charging your devices. I guess nowadays you have to remember to pack a mask or Buff on race day! For the Philly Half, we had a special wristband that we had to wear in order to be allowed in the race area. Little things like that are easy to forget!
Good point about the mask or buff. I spectated the Ironman 70.3 last weekend and they required that eveyone was vaccinated. We also were given wristbands to make all that a little easier.
Omg that Seinfeld clip! So funny, but now I’m having “alarm clock” anxiety and I don’t even have a race coming up! All your tips are great. Definitely very thorough, and if you do all this you’ll be more relaxed. Good thing we don’t rely on electricity anymore for our alarms!
I used to have a couple of alarm clocks set. I’m happy that electricity isn’t required anymore. Unless you have charged your phone or watch!
This list has me wanting to race again!!!!
Yes!
Having a list, even if it’s just in my head, helps me stay calm and focused. It’s great to see this all written out.
Great checklist! I always like to relax with a favorite movie the night before a race, just to keep the nerves at bay.