What Every Runner Should Know Tip #4: How to prepare for race day

Pre-race nerves can often get the best of runners, especially those who are running their first race. Take these steps to prepare yourself for the big day and eliminate the stress so you can enjoy yourself and all you have worked for!

Pick up your race kit

Some races will have you pick up your packet on the day of the race, but it is always a good idea to do it beforehand so you have one less thing to do that morning. For the Illinois Marathon this weekend, all participants must pick up their packets during the Health and Fitness Expo at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). The expo is Thursday, April 28, 5 pm - 9 pm, and Friday, April 29, from 10 am - 9 pm.

If you don't think you will be able to make it to the expo, you can have someone else pick up your packet for you. They will just need some form of photo identification (their own, not yours!) to do this.

Familiarize yourself with the course

Races often have websites with course maps available to participants can view the route ahead of time. If you live in the area and have the opportunity, try to run - or at least drive - the route before race day so you can scope it out. If you don't live in the area, try to familiarize yourself with a few landmarks along the course, which can help you form and follow your race strategy. For the Illinois Marathon, maps are available for all the routes on the Course Info page.

Don't try anything new on race day (or the night before)

This is key to running a successful race. The night before the race is not the time to start experimenting with a new exotic seafood dish (unless you eat them regularly and know they work for you!). Get plenty of sleep and eat a breakfast that you know will keep you energized and won't upset your stomach while you are running.

Don't worry about other runners taking off ahead of you

Go at your own pace. The last thing you want to do is set off way too fast at a pace you cannot sustain. One way to prevent this is by practicing your racing pace during your training. Many runners use a Garmin or other watch/heart rate monitor to make sure they are on pace.

Start in the right starting corral

This is proper racing etiquette and it's in your best interest. Elite runners start at the very front and corrals are usually well-signed to indicate the approximate finish times of the runners in each group. For example, if your goal was to finish a marathon in 4 hours, you'd want to start in the corral with runners that have a similar goal time. This prevents you from getting plowed over by the faster racers, and also helps you avoid the hassle of overtaking slower runners.

Set many goals - not just a time goal

Focusing only on time can be demotivating, so set other goals too. For example if you're a new runner, you goal might be to finish the race or to maintain a 5:1 minute run:walk ratio for the whole race. It might be to keep up with a specific person or to think only positive thoughts. You could also think of a person you are going to dedicate one mile of your race to, which will help you run your best in honor of that person.

Calm down and ENJOY YOURSELF

Everyone gets pre-race jitters and to an extent, they are a good thing. Do what you need to plan ahead, such as packing the car, figuring out parking, etc. This will help reduce stress as much as possible. Don't take the race too seriously and try to enjoy the race atmosphere!

If you have run a race before, what is your advice for preparing for the big day? Do you have certain pre-race rituals that you always follow?

**Don't forget to post a comment on today's post for your chance to win this week's giveaway: A FREE nutrition consultation with Mettler Center nutritionist Melissa Smith!**