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The only thing on my mind right now is running.
Ok, well there a few other things, but running has taken over most of my brain because my first marathon is almost here. There is a LOT of nervous energy flowing through me right now, so I’ve decided to combine it with my running obsession to write a few posts I’ve had planned for a while!
The Hubby and I really, really love races, so we’ve had time to really perfect our pre-race, during race, and post-race routines. This will be my first marathon, but after 13 half-marathons, I know what helps my mind and body get through a race and recover afterwards.
I don’t usually post on Sundays, but I couldn’t wait any longer to get this series started!
Today is the first post in my series “Race Day Essentials,” so we’re obviously beginning with pre-race essentials. Tomorrow, we’ll move on to essentials for during the race. We’ll wrap it up the next day with my post-race must-haves. It’s going to be a fun week – at least I think so!
My disclaimer on all of these posts will be the same: These are the items I use and must have on race day, but your list may look very different. The posts are meant to give you ideas, not something you should copy exactly. Try lots of things and go with what works for your body!
With that, here are my pre-race essentials:
English muffin + peanut butter (not pictured) – I eat an English muffin (or this homemade English muffin bread if I’m at home) with peanut butter (and sometimes honey) two hours before the race starts. If it’s a really early race, I’ll eat it and go back to bed, but sleep usually evades me at this point!
Coffee – This is a new development for me this year and I’m loving it. I’ve always loved coffee, but this is the first training cycle where I’ve had it before almost all of my long runs. I like the results. I plan to have some at least an hour before my first marathon – I’ll let you know how it goes!
Water – Do I even need to explain this? Good.
Body Glide – Necessity. Training for this marathon has revealed all sorts of new chafing problems, so I’m using Body Glide like never before. On my 20-mile run, the seam on the back of my pants rubbed my lower back raw. I had no idea, but that spot is getting Body Glide every time now, along with many other places. Body Glide – don’t run long without it.
Honey Stinger Waffle – I eat this amazing piece of deliciousness on the way to a long race. It is naturally sweet and just what I need for an extra boost of energy to start the race. We’re both obsessed with Honey Stinger products. You’ll hear about another one in the race time essentials.
Chapstick + sunscreen – One of the last things I do before dropping off my bag at gear check is put on some chapstick. I can’t stand having dry lips during a race and the sunscreen is a must to protect my skin for the 2+ hours I will be running! My chapstick must have it’s own sunscreen (the yellow EOS in my running bag and SoftLips in my fuel belt) and I prefer spray sunscreen so I can apply it quickly myself.
Come back tomorrow as we’re moving on to my necessities for the actual race!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 