Race Day Game Plan – Last Minute Preparations

Written by Jack Pilla, Run Formula Coach

Pre-Race Preparation, the night before:

• Get your drop bags in order and placed in the designated areas.
• Coordinate with your pacer if you have one.
• Go over any specifics with your crew.
• Eat – Pasta is always a good choice or some other favorite non-spicy dish but don’t pig out. (Thursday night would be better for the big meal). White pasta is more easily digestible than wheat.
• Have all your race gear ready to go before bed.
• Get to sleep. (You might bring earplugs too if you are camping).

Morning of the Race:

• Most races start in the pre-dawn hours so have a small snack an hour before such as a bagel or banana but whatever you do don’t try something new at this hour.
• Drink 10 – 12 ounces of fluid before your race.  Stay hydrated but don’t overdo it.
• Hit the port-o-let early enough so you don’t miss the start.  (Bring your own tp as sometimes the portolets run out).
• Don’t forget to check in before the start.

Ultra List of Goodies to have on hand

(Just a quick reminder from last week’s blog)

• Electrolyte Replacement
• Fuel Belt, Camel Back or other hydration gizmo
• Body glide or similar
• Headlamp with new batteries
• Good socks and extra socks
• Good trail running shoes and spares
• Band aids/first aid kit/blister repair
• Duct Tape
• Extra clothing and night clothing for colder temps
• Hat

TOP TEN WAYS TO DNF AT AN ULTRA

(As reproduced from the Wasatch Front 100 and modified for the VT100)

• (10) Wear new shoes.
• 9) Wear old socks.
• 8) Waste energy getting mad at little things.
• 7) Try for that terrific 30 hour “SUNTAN”. Would you stick your head in a microwave?
• 6) Forget to plan for difficult weather: wind, rain, cold, heat.
• 5) VT has no big hills, so no need to do hill training, right?
• 4) Forget to consume calories
• 3) Think you are staying hydrated by drinking at aid stations only.
• 2) Rely totally on ribbons to guide your way. Does the word “lost” have meaning to you?

DRUM ROLL…..

• 1) Not making friends with Mr. SALT and Mz. ELECTROLYTE.

HAVE FUN AND SEE YOU AT THE FINISH!!