Coach Heidi's Race Day Tips

Heidi Bock is as decorated as a runner can be. She recently ran the London Marathon, earning her sixth star and the final gem in her World Major gauntlet, and you’ll often find her at the front of the pack at any local race she’s in. As one of Fleet Feet Lincoln’s longtime training class coaches, she has tons of experience with helping folks of all paces to reach their goals. See her top tips for race day (in no specific order):

1. Layer Up!

• Key word: layers! Bring a warm top and bottom layer you can wear pre-race and put in your drop bag for afterwards. And don’t forget a throwaway layer–including gloves and a hat–that you would feel okay with either (a) running the whole race in OR (b) shedding/tossing along the way as you warm up.
• Change into something warm and dry ASAP post-race.

2. Get to the Start Line Early

• Have someone drop you off a half mile from the start and walk in… traffic and parking get congested. Don’t add to your pre-race stress!

3. Keep It Familiar

• Wear, eat and drink nothing new on race day.

4. Enjoy It!

• Eyes up… you didn’t train to stare at the road. Take in the fans, entertainment, music, and vibes and everything on the sidelines, and you’ll have so much more fun!
• Run your race, stick to your plan, fuel your way. This is your day to put it all together.

5. TP...

• Pack your own toilet paper. ?