Pre-Race Checklist

Whatever distance of race you do, whether it's your first or your 100th, you need to be prepared. Here is a rundown of what you need to consider before your next/first race!

A few days before...

-laundry. Make sure your favorite gear is clean and ready to go. This includes hats, socks, etc.
-carbs, hydration, and electrolytes. Start eating a bit more and drinking a bit more, with your diet skewed more towards carbohydrates. "Carb loading" should be mild (don't just eat a massive pasta dinner the night before), but should be done over the course of days to really let it sink in.
-fuel belt. If you are bringing a fuel belt, pack it well in advance. This gives you a chance to add things if you forget anything.

The day before...

-pick up your packet, if there is early packet pickup. It's always good to have your stuff the day before when convenient.
-lay out your race outfit. The entire thing should be ready to throw on in the morning. Pin your bib to the front of your shirt (not the back). Don't wear the shirt you got at packet pickup, for god's sake. That's a classic rookie mistake, and you'll look like a noob at best and get awful chafing at worst.
-top off your tank with water and carbs.
-get your hydration bottle ready and in the fridge. Get your breakfast ready to go. The less thinking you have to do, the better.
-go to bed early and set your alarm(s) for the appropriate time. You don't want to be rushed in the morning, but you want to get as much sleep as possible. Make sure you allow yourself time to find a parking space and get warmed up, if necessary, as well as taking a pre-race bathroom break. Your bowels and bladder will likely be nervous. Plan for this.

Race day morning...

-start drinking when you wake up. Not vodka. That comes later. Water or Gatorade.
-eat breakfast about 60-90 minutes before race start to give yourself time to feel bowel urges. I am trying not to sound gross here, but shit happens, literally.
-get to the race start with plenty of time. Depending on how big a race is, I like to show up about 30 minutes before showtime (bigger races need more time because of bathroom lines).
-remain calm and trust your training. Yes, it's a race, but to your body it's just another workout. Trust your body to do its thing, and don't let your head get in the way.
-don't get caught up in the excitement, pace-wise. Take your time. You might have a long way to go before the finish line. You can always speed up later.
-enjoy the experience! Remember a song that played on the course. Smile. Have a good time. Look for women in tutus (there are always at least 3). Look for funny signs. I'll never forget the spectator holding the "Poop if ya gotta" sign in Chicago 2009.
-wear your medal! You earned it.