There's a lot of excitement and anxious energy building the day before a big race. We asked some of our extended writing and coaching team what they do on race day minus one.
Jonas Colting, Elite Triathlete
I make sure that the day prior to a race is not a complete rest day and I try to get in 10-30 minutes in each discipline, preferably in the morning before breakfast.
- First, it gets the stomach going which is really necessary since I will have eaten more and exercised less than normal.
- Second, doing the light exercise in the morning allows me to fine tune some fat burning for the race.
- Third, you can have a big breakfast after this morning session which is also crucial. I want to front load the food in the last 24 hours which means a big breakfast and late lunch but a smaller dinner than usual.
- Last, doing stuff early and making sure the bike is in order is a peace of mind and there´s now time to chill and relax for the rest of the day.
I also remind myself of the reasons why I race and do this sport and I memorize my mantras and mental defense that I´ll need once the going gets tough on race day... and the going will always get tough!
Gordo Byrn
I like to wake up early and do a 20/30/10 workout. Those are minutes: swim/bike/run. I stay away from the crowds, rack my bike late in the day and have an early dinner.
Justin Daerr, Elite Triathlete
I’ll get in a short bit of training in all three sports if logisitics allow it. For an IM, I will try to check my bike and gear in early and be free of everything for the afternoon.
Then I have a bit of a tradition of watching the Godfather, Part 2.
Bob Albright, M.D. 
When in Madison for IMWI, there is always a farmer's market the on the square the Saturday before the race. It’s great to go buy a bunch of fattening sugar-laden morsels for Monday -- also good to remind you all life doesn't end nor begin based on your race.
Kevin Purcell, D.C.
When I was racing, I did as little as possible! But I did have some routines:
- All week long I depleted my carbohydrate stores so beginning 36 hours from the race I really started eating a lot. One day before race there is a lot of focus on getting in 3500 to 4000 calories. I ate all day in my condo from foods I selected earlier in the week (no shopping necessary).
- I also prepare race morning breakfast the day before so reheating potatoes, oatmeal, etc. is done quickly the next morning.
- I will prepare bottles of food for the race itself the day before and carry them in race morning.
- Get in a little training: 10 minute swim / 20 minute bike / 10 minute run.
- Stay in my condo, laugh a little, maybe visualize a successful day.
Mimi Winsberg, M.D.
I try to have everything already organized so that I can do a couple of short workouts and then head to a matinee movie.
Nothing is better than sitting in a dark, cool room with my feet up watching an action film to get me excited for the next day's race.
Endurance Corner members can continue the discussion on the EC forum via this companion thread.
