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Five Things I Always Do on Race Day!

April 23, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC42 Comments

Happy Friday! I’m writing this from Chicago, where I’ve been all week for a professional conference. It’s been educational, fun, a bit scary (I had my first big presentation – which went well!) and somewhat exhausting. So far I’ve fit in two workouts and I expect to get one more in before I leave the city. I hope you all have had a great week. Note: I jumped ahead. The theme is REALLY 5 blogs to love. Oops – I read ahead – what can I say, with my travel this week, I just missed it. Anyway, next week I’ll do 5 blogs to love. 🙂 This week our theme is “five things about race day.” I decided to share five things that I always do on race day – purposefully or not. Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link 

FIVE THINGS I DO ON RACE DAY

  1. Eat some kind of bar. Nowadays it’s a Larabar, sometimes it might be a Picky bar or a Kind bar. It’s delicious easy and quick and I know that about twenty minutes after I eat it, I’ll be ready for item number two on my list. 
  2. PRP. Okay, real talk, y’all. If you are a runner and not familiar with the PRP (pre race/run poop) then I call bs! It’s a must and has to happen in order for the race to happen. It is very distressing if it appears that the PRP ain’t happening. No one wants to have stomach issues on the race course (have you read Sue’s RNR recap?? no, she didn’t have issues…), right?
  3. Review my mental plan. I like to review what my race plan is. Sometimes of course, that race plan gets thrown out the window the second I take my first step, but it makes me feel good to at least run it over in my head! 
  4. Somehow end up losing a safety pin. I’m not sure what the heck my problem is but lately it seems that I’m always racing with three safety pins. I always start out with four. I have no idea where there fourth pin magically goes but it is NEVER there when I toe the start line. 
  5. Say a quick prayer. You never know what’s going to happen and I like to have a little word with Jesus before starting anything big like a race. This also helps me manage my nerves! 

Happy weekend! 

Tell me what are five things you do every time you race? 


Comments

  1. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    April 23, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    so jealous of you in Chicago right now!!! I’m missing my bestie who lives there. So agree on #2 (literally, did you do that on purpose?!) lol… great list and that’s funny about the safety pins. I always seem to find them in abundance around the house and in my car, until race day… then I’m all, where’d the heck they go?! Happy Friday, friend!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Show Some Blogger LoveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 24, 2015 at 1:03 am

      Happy Friday!!! Such fun in Chicago 🙂

      Reply
  2. lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    April 23, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    I’ve started using race dots so no more pins falling off. They work great but kind of hard to get use to them. They are VERY magnetic!

    Reply
  3. Molly @alsoranagain says

    April 23, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    I hope you’re having a fabulous time in Chicago! Your PRP reference is hilarious; I didn’t know there was an acronym. It’s certainly key, though. 🙂
    Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…5 Must-Read BlogsMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    April 23, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    I hope Chicago was lots of fun! I’ve never been, but hear it’s a beautiful city.

    I am all over #2 (pun intended)!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Rewarding MomentsMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Alanna @ Madeleines & Marathons says

    April 24, 2015 at 5:12 am

    I love Larabars! Especially the apple pie. It’s so good! On race day, I always eat a PB & honey with bananas for breakfast. It seems to work really well for me. I absolutely agree with you on #2. That is so very important!

    Reply
  6. Kelli says

    April 24, 2015 at 5:47 am

    Love larabars! and the PRP is a MUST, therefore coffee is a MUST for me otherwise it’s not happening before the race!
    Kelli recently posted…Are you sleeping enough?My Profile

    Reply
  7. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 24, 2015 at 6:38 am

    Oh, if you don’t have that prp,you’re going to have a bad time…
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions for AprilMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Coco says

    April 24, 2015 at 6:50 am

    I hope you to go for a run in Chicago! Although I hope it’s a bit warmer there if you do. Another vote here for RaceDots.
    Coco recently posted…How To Run Back To Back RacesMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    April 24, 2015 at 6:50 am

    Get yourself some racedots and solve that safety pin problem girl! Hope you are enjoying Chicago!

    Reply
  10. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    April 24, 2015 at 6:54 am

    How long are you in Chicago for???
    I always put on body glide. You never know….
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Practicing What I Preach and The Most Important QuestionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 24, 2015 at 8:39 am

      I got here Tuesday and am leaving today. I would’ve tried to meet but it was literally non stop with my conference. However I might be back in June!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    April 24, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Great list! I cannot imagine not having a PRP. That would be awful to have it all hit mid-race. My stomach problems are usually related to nausea…not that that’s any better. The mysterious safety pin loss is hilarious. I use magnets instead of pins. I bought industrial-strength magnets for less than $3 at Home Depot, so that I don’t have to put holes in my clothes. They stay put and do not move! Enjoy Chicago!
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Blog Best PracticesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 24, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Oh that’s genius jennifer! So smart about the magnets!!!

      Reply
  12. Lesley says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I”ve never really had stomach issues but I’ll throw in what I call “puppy bladder.” You know when puppies get so excited they piddle? Well, I’ll liken that to the excitement of race day and having to use the portapotty multiple times before the start of the race.
    Lesley recently posted…All Those Paris MoviesMy Profile

    Reply
  13. EB @ Running on E says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:26 am

    The PRP is a must, no question. Other musts: body glide, tying my sneakers (again), and making sure I have all my fuel.
    EB @ Running on E recently posted…Friday Five: Running blogs to readMy Profile

    Reply
  14. smitha @ running with Sd mom says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:34 am

    OH goodness! Yes! I won’t even leave the house before a long run if I haven’t made some solid waste happen! Lol! Thanks for hosting!
    smitha @ running with Sd mom recently posted…Friday Fascinations: Five Brands to Love!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 24, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Right?!? 🙂

      Reply
  15. Heidi says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:47 am

    The PRP is legitimate! Honestly, if it doesn’t happen then I immediately throw out my plans of racing/PR and just go for a fun run instead because there will be a pit stop along the way. I’m so envious of my husband because he can literally eat fried chicken and mac n cheese for dinner before a half marathon and be totally fine the next morning. He thinks all of my running friends are crazy when we talk about the PRP and it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
    Heidi recently posted…Fashion Revolution: 2 Years after Rana PlazaMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:57 am

    I hope you’re having SUCH a great time in Chicago, friend! I’m so jealous; I’ve never visited and I’d really like to. Um, I’m totally with ya on the PRP; I have to get up early enough to “enjoy” (aka drink slowly enough for the effects to settle in) my cup of coffee which usually does the trick. I love that you always lose a safety pin; maybe it’s a good luck thing now? I always lose those little zip ties for the timing chip; thankfully, J usually has some in his tool box – haha! Have a great weekend, Courtney!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Five Book Blogs to ReadMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says

    April 24, 2015 at 11:56 am

    A prayer is always top on my list too:)
    I love to relax too and contemplate over my plan and play out the way I want the race to go ahead of time in my head! Have fun in Chicago!
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Blogs You May Want to FollowMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Jennifer says

    April 24, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    If a DC race (and I walk to the start) I time my water intake so that I know I’ll be able to use a hotel bathroom before the start (one near a Starbucks) – usually I’ll pick up a banana in exchange for their restroom.
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Blogs to Read IIMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Nina says

    April 24, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    The worst is when you’re sitting in a porta potty, with a long line of runners waiting and you still can’t PRP’ed. So much anxiety, which doesn’t help!

    Reply
  20. Robin Coleman says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I glad to hear that the conference went well. My PRP is Pre-Race Pee.

    Reply
  21. sARA says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    The PRP is a must! Sue’s story from RNR was disgustingly hilarious. I also like to have have a small nibble pre-run. I try to keep a small bar on me and Lara Bars are perfect. For me, I’m always checking and rechecking that I have my keys, my id, my mid-run fuel, my head. Pre race jitters make me insane.
    sARA recently posted…Friday Five – Blogs to Love!!My Profile

    Reply
  22. Leana says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Great list! I’m definitely with you on the PRP! Happy Friday!
    Leana recently posted…Five Blogs to ReadMy Profile

    Reply
  23. MCM Mama Runs says

    April 24, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    I was so confused when I saw your post last night. I want to write on this topic and was like, “huh, did I miss something?” LOL

    PRP. Yes. Must happen. Thank God for coffee.
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Spicy Asian Tuna Steaks + 5 Runfessions FridayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 24, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      Lol. Sorry for the confusion!

      Reply
  24. Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch says

    April 24, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    I love this. Ok, I am with you with the quick prayer before a race. It just naturally comes to head, and I pray. PRAY!!! lol. PRP…I ididn’t know that was an official term, but it’s def legit. For fitness instructors, we often call it, getting all the nervous pee out. Haha. Thanks for sharing. Always love getting a glimpse into your head. : ) Happy weekend!
    Jessica Joy @The Fit Switch recently posted…My Top 5 Must-Read Health BlogsMy Profile

    Reply
  25. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    April 24, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    I always like hearing people’s race day habits. Sometimes it gives me new ideas of things I can (or often should) do.
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Blogs to Love: runDisney Edition | Friday FiveMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Emily says

    April 24, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I like to:
    1. Go to the bathroom
    2. Definitely pray.
    3. Stretch
    4. Warm up a bit
    5. Make a friend with another runner (sometimes)
    Emily recently posted…Five of MY VERY FAVORITE THINGS!My Profile

    Reply
  27. karen - Fit in France says

    April 24, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    On race day I obsessively check the weather and check how to get there / where to park. It is solo stressful not to know where you are going !
    karen – Fit in France recently posted…Friday Five : Blogs to read if you are doing a marathonMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    April 24, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    There is no racing without the prp for sure! Hope you have fun in Chicago!!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…April RunfessionsMy Profile

    Reply
  29. ChaiTali says

    April 24, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    lol… I had never heard the term PRP before but I definitely know what you mean! I always start race morning with a peanutbutter sandwich. I hope the rest of your time in Chicago goes well.
    ChaiTali recently posted…Friday Five – useful blog postsMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Lindsey says

    April 24, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    Hahaha, love your honesty. And #2 is totally right. That’s why runners drink coffee before races–gets things moving! Hopefully at home and not in a portapotty!
    Lindsey recently posted…5 Signs That I Probably Love Your BlogMy Profile

    Reply
  31. GiGi Eats says

    April 25, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    I would definitely say a quick prayer or affirmation! Ha. Putting it into the universe HELPS!
    GiGi Eats recently posted…Wine and Onesies Make The Perfect PairingMy Profile

    Reply
  32. HoHo Runs says

    April 26, 2015 at 9:23 am

    The PRP is a must. And always # 2 on my list.. (Get It? HAHAHA)
    HoHo Runs recently posted…Runfessions (April 2015 Edition)My Profile

    Reply
  33. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    April 26, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Since I still have the crummy Garmin – start it 20 min ahead of time in hopes it picks up a signal, then keep checking it so it doesn’t auto shut off. Thank heavens the new one is on its way.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Running Favorites – Q & AMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 26, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      you are going to LOVE it!

      Reply
  34. Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:23 am

    Safety pins and prayer…something to add to my list!

    It is amazing with all the safety pins that are avail at packet pickup…I only pick up the 4 and always end up losing 1! So silly.

    Prayer-changes everything right!! I need to do better!

    Reply
  35. Shawn says

    May 2, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Sue’s recap….Oh.My.Goodness. I can’t even understand how she kept going…..I would have wanted to crawl under the road until 4AM and hope no one was there to see me!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      May 2, 2015 at 10:47 pm

      i know, right? so crazy!

      Reply

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