Race Day Strategies for Beginners

So, your training is paying off, and you are ready to test your skills against competitors. If you are new to racing, you are probably questioning what you can do to put yourself in the best position to compete. Any of these strategies will help to put your best foot forward on race day, but all of them together make for a winning combination. Continue reading to learn more about our race day tips for beginners.

Rest

No matter what you do in life, it is ten times more difficult when you haven't slept properly. The night before your big race, you want to ensure you get plenty of sleep so you can wake up energized in the morning. In addition, you will want to taper your exercise in the days leading up to your race so you don't experience muscle fatigue.

Carb Up

For any race, but especially endurance races, you want to ensure that you have consistent energy throughout the race. The best way to do this is to fill up on complex carbs that take longer to break down, so they give you consistent energy for more extended periods. You may even want a carb gel mid-race for longer races like marathons to bump up your energy.

Gear Up

When it comes to racing, it's definitely what's on the inside that counts, but that doesn't mean that you can't get a little help on the outside. Of course, a comfortable, worn-in pair of shoes is a must, but there is, even more you can wear to make the most out of your race. One accessory that will put you leaps and bounds above your competitors is the FlipBelt. Our FlipBelts give you a hands-free way to carry everything you need on your run, from your carb gel to your water bottle and even your phone. We offer the incredibly popular FlipBelt Zipper and the lightweight and versatile FlipBelt Air.

Hydrate

When you are racing, especially endurance races, you are bound to sweat a lot, so it is vital that you are hydrated not only during the race but leading up to it. One way to stay hydrated during the race without affecting your performance is by keeping a water bottle on your person without holding it. Our Arc Water Bottle is designed to work with the FlipBelt to carry your water hands-free.

Stay Positive

Competitive races are just that, competitive. Many factors can make you want to give up on your goals, including physical and mental fatigue. It is essential that you stay positive to reach the finish line because no matter where you place, you will feel a sense of accomplishment by finishing the race. Being carbed up and well-rested is an excellent start for your physical and mental well-being, but there are other things you can do before and during the race to motivate yourself. If it is allowed in the racing rules, music is a great motivator during the race, but even if you can't listen during the race, listening to hype music before the race will still motivate you. Another way to motivate yourself on race day and every training day is to have positive daily affirmations that help to motivate you.

Have Fun

These ideas for beginning runners are sure to set you up for race day success. Ultimately the goal of competitive racing is to challenge yourself to be better, but never forget how fun racing is. With our products, you can focus on the fun of the run without worrying about where to keep your stuff. Contact us to learn more about our innovative products and how we can help elevate your run game.
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