I'm excited because I have a guest post today from a pretty cool lady I've just met. Her name is Arianna & her link is at the bottom of the post. Stop by & tell her hey & be sure to leave a comment on all the awesome information she's sharing with us.My dream one day is to get to Disney & do the Princess Half Marathon... or ANY Disney race at this point. (Avenger Half Marathon is pretty high up on the list as well)... so I love having this info & will be bookmarking it for the day I make the big trip. I love that Arianna even included tips about having a fur-baby... she's speaking to my heart now!
Enjoy everyone!!!
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5 Useful Tips for a
Stress-Free Destination Race
Over the
last year, I’ve challenged myself by entering a number of races, some of which
required travel. It’s been a great motivator for my fitness, as well as an
excuse to get out of town now and then. Through these experiences, I’ve learned
that there are some unique factors to consider when preparing for a destination
race – things you wouldn’t necessarily think about for other kinds of travel. With
the proper planning, you can ensure that you’ll be ready and stress-free on
race day!
Pick the Right Hotel
Finding the
right sleeping accommodations is critical. Don’t just go for any hotel in town.
Instead, endeavor to find one close to the race – ideally within easy walking
distance. Races usually start pretty early, and you won’t want to waste much
energy navigating traffic in your unfamiliar surroundings. Plus, race day is
hectic and busy, so finding a parking spot can be difficult. A navigation
app is extremely helpful but ultimately, the best scenario is waking up and
walking right out to the starting line.
Eat Well
For an
athletic event, it’s important to plan your food appropriately. Before the
race, avoid restaurants as much as possible. Bringing your own food is ideal,
since it’s risky to introduce new or exotic foods into your system. You never
know how your body will react! Plus, if you bring your own food, you can ensure
you’ll have the right amount of carbs to fuel you for the race. Eat a plain and
familiar meal the night before, and carbo-load in the morning. Bagels and bananas travel well, so they’re a
great staple for race day. This list
of carb-heavy recipes is useful if you have the opportunity to cook.
Follow the Forecast
In the days
leading up to your journey, make sure you pay attention to the weather
forecast. This will be useful for traveling, as you will need to factor in more
driving time for bad weather. But more importantly, you’ll need to pack the
right running apparel for race day. Even if the forecast looks clear, it’s
smart to bring running clothes for cooler weather and precipitation. If there’s
anything I’ve learned from destination races, it’s that the weather can be
unpredictable and thin layers are always a great idea. Make sure you’re
prepared for the worst!
Plan for your Furry Friends
As with any
trip, make sure you arrange care for your pets in advance. I’ve found that races
can be overwhelming for dogs, but I prefer to travel with my dog. Last year, we
brought along our Lab, Brodie, to Philadelphia for the Feel the Love 5k. Finding a pet sitter
or kennel located in the race town is a great option. Crowds can sometimes be
extremely overwhelming for a dog of any size. That way, you can enjoy the race
weekend with your whole family, and focus on getting thru your first few miles
without stressing about your dog tearing apart the hotel room.
See the Sights
One of the
best parts of a destination race is the excuse to do some sightseeing. Depending
on your travel schedule, consider taking time after the race to experience the
local scenery. This mini-vacation is a wonderful reward for completing the
race, and an added perk for any family members who accompany you. I’ve also
taken to documenting my races in a scrapbook. It’s really satisfying to look
back on my progress through photos, and the snapshots taken of each town add a
nice personal element.
With the
right preparation, destination races are fun, rewarding, and motivating. Just
be sure to take all the factors into consideration as you plan for the big day.
Your hard work will pay off and guarantee that the experience is one you
remember fondly!
