Video:What to Do On the Day of Your Half Marathon

SHARE ON                

Transcript:What to Do On the Day of Your Half Marathon

The big day has arrived. It's time to finally run your half-marathon. You've done your training, but now it's time to make sure all the details are covered. So get your game face on and get ready to hit the finish line and beat your personal best. Here are a few important things to remember on the day of the event.

How to Know What to Do On the Day of Your Half Marathon

Make sure you have the right clothing and gear. Wear shoes that you've done your longest training runs in, and under no cirumstances try wearing new shoes – or new anything – on race day. Your clothing should be comfortable and suit the expected weather conditions – weather above 70 degrees usually requires t-shirt and shorts. Colder conditions require layered clothing and/or jogging pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

Tips for the Day of Your Half Marathon

Whatever you do, don't forget lubricant like Body Glide or the equivalent, wherever you're liable to chaff. Many a hapless runner has bloodied arm pits, inner thighs and nipples by neglecting this one. Eesh.

Be sure to eat at least an hour prior to the race, more if your body needs the time to digest. Focus on a small but carb-packed meal with a small amount of protein and fat – think peanut butter and toast. Avoid rich or spicy foods and drink plenty of water. Have that cup of coffee if you always do first thing in the morning – and be sure to bring along any snacks or energy gels you've grown accustomed to during training. Again, this is all about giving your body what it's used to. Before you walk out the door, double-check that you have everything you need to bring to the race. A checklist is a handy way to get yourself packed up, especially since your mind is most likely replaying the course and race tactics rather than thinking about what to bring. Most items like water are provided along the course and a bag is sometimes offered for any personal effects you have, which is generally returned at the finish line. Not to mention you'll be doing this at some ungodly hour of the morning.

More Information About the Day of Your Half Marathon

Most half-marathons require that you pick up your bib and race packet materials the day or two prior to the actual race to avoid delays to the race start time. Be sure to include all the required registration and race materials in what you bring to the race. It's good to re-read all instructions that have been provided – you'd be surprised at how many questions are actually answered when you just read the directions.

While it's a race, you don't want to be racing out the door because you are late. Make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare so you can stretch, warm-up, and hit the port-a-potty. Plan to get to the starting line anywhere from one hour to one and a half hours early. If racers are being shuttled in, get to the first bus going out to ensure you have a spot. Once on-site, you'll then be able to perform your pre-race rituals in relative peace.Finally, relax and stay calm in the final moments leading up to the race. Some runners get pumped by listening to music while others prefer a more subdued approach of praying, meditating, or visualizing the race ahead. If anxiety has set in, try deep breathing and remembering that this is something to enjoy. When the gun goes off, smile, let your body do its thing, and have an amazing run!

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.