Alright, so you signed up for a race and the big day is finally here! Whether you’re feeling nervous or hella confident, we’ve got you covered on all your must-know race day tips to make sure you look like a pro even before you get to the starting line.

STOP DRINKING WATER
Yes really. You should stop drinking water 2-3 hours before the race. Hydrate the night before your race and don't chug water right before you start. Hydrating too close to race time will result in some unintended “stops” during race day…if you catch our drift.

LAYER UP
Races typically have very early start times. If you’re not running a summer race, then it will most likely be chilly the morning of. We recommend purchasing some inexpensive layers that you are ok shedding along the course as you start to warm up (cue: Nelly Hot In Here).

LONG DAY PREP
Races can involve thousands of people, so especially for the bigger runs you will typically start in waves. Don't be surprised if the time you actually cross the starting line is later than the official start time.

TRACK YOUR TIME
Even if your start time is later than you expected, your time is being tracked by your bib. This will accurately register your personal running time when you cross the start and finish lines. We also recommend using your tracking app so you can gauge your speed after each mile and stay on track to meet your goals.

WAKE UP EARLY
Most races have early morning start times. Give yourself 2-3 hours before the race to fully wake up, stretch, and keep with your normal morning routine. Eat a light breakfast, get all of your race day gear together and get ready to kick some ass!

MORNING TRAINING RUNS
Prepare your body for running at your scheduled race time. As we mentioned, races usually have an early morning start, so we recommend including at least two early morning runs with your training.

BE CONSISTENT
By the time you’re in your last few weeks of training, you should be in tune with your body to know what does and doesn't work for you. Listen and adjust accordingly so you feel your best on race day.

PACE YOURSELF
No matter your race day distance, we recommend you start at a slightly slower initial speed. More often than not, runners will come out hot at the start of a race and really struggle at the end. Know your race day goal and make sure you are working towards it at a challenging, yet realistic, speed. If you are running a marathon, try taking the entire first half at a slightly slower pace to reduce the risk of early burnout.

DRINKING ON THE GO
Multitasking is hard. Trying to look like an elegant gazelle while running and drinking water and eating a snack and smiling for the race day cameraman is close to impossible. Practice drinking and eating on the go during training so that you master coordination for race day. But hey, if you fumble or spill on yourself, no shame. We’ve done it a hundred times before.

HAVE FUN
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!!! You made it through your race training and hopefully it wasn't complete torture. Make sure you remember to smile on race day and take it all in. Whether you are running with a friend, a group, or alone, this is a huge accomplishment that you can (and should) brag about!