A well-structured race week reduces stress and sets you up for your best performance.
Preparing with a clear race-week plan
Race week is when careful organization pays off. This is your chance to confirm all details, fine-tune nutrition, and finalize logistics. A calm, step-by-step approach helps you avoid last-minute surprises and keeps confidence steady. Use this checklist in tandem with Racendo’s race-week mode to track progress and keep every detail visible.
Seven days out: Confirm essentials
Start the week by double-checking your travel arrangements, accommodation, and race registration. Make sure you know the hours for bib pick-up and any packet collection procedures. Also, check the local weather forecast and add it to your race plan so you can adjust gear choices and hydration strategies accordingly.
- Verify flights, trains, or drives
- Confirm hotel or lodging details
- Note bib pick-up location and timing
- Check and save weather updates
Five days before: Easy movement and shoe testing
Schedule a light run—around 8 kilometers at a relaxed pace—to keep muscles loose without causing fatigue. During this run, include four sets of 100-meter strides to activate your legs and maintain neuromuscular sharpness. This is also the perfect chance to test your race shoes to ensure comfort and confidence. Avoid any new gear that hasn’t been tried before.
Three days before: Begin nutrition adjustments
Shift your diet to increase carbohydrate intake to roughly 8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. This boosts glycogen stores needed for race energy. At the same time, reduce high-fiber and fatty foods to minimize digestive discomfort. Focus on familiar, easily digestible carbohydrate sources like rice, pasta, and potatoes, paired with moderate protein and low fat.
Two days before: Arrival and bib collection
If you haven’t traveled yet, plan to arrive by this day. Pick up your race bib and any included race materials at the expo or designated location, but keep time on your feet minimal to avoid unnecessary fatigue. Use this visit to check the course maps and review start area layout if available. Resist the urge to explore the expo extensively—rest and recovery are key.
One day before: Final race logistics
Lay out all your race gear neatly: shoes, clothing, bib with safety pins, watch, nutrition, and any extras like sunscreen or a hat. Pin your bib to the race shirt to save hassle on race morning. Set alarms with ample time to wake up and prepare calmly. Take a photo or note of your start corral or meeting point to avoid searching in the morning. Prepare and pack any post-race clothing or snacks you might want.
Race day: Trust the routine
Stick to your familiar race-morning routine. Eat your usual pre-race breakfast and hydrate according to your plan. Avoid trying new foods, supplements, or gear on the day. Arrive early to the start area, warm up lightly, and position yourself appropriately in your assigned corral. Remember that your training and preparation guide your performance now—stay present and focused.
Summary checklist
- Confirm travel and accommodation seven days out
- Plan easy shake-out run and shoe test five days out
- Adjust diet with increased carbs three days out
- Collect bib and review course two days out
- Organize gear and logistics the day before
- Follow trusted routine on race morning
By breaking down your race week into manageable steps, you can calm pre-race nerves and focus on executing your plan. Racendo’s system helps keep all these details accessible, so you stay organized every step of the way.