Whether you intend to run a local 5K or target a half marathon, race day strategies are important to optimize your performance and make the most of your experience. This blog shares tips that will help you prepare for seamless execution on the big day.

Dress for the Weather Conditions

Stay informed about the weather forecast and cordinate your race day clothing accordingly. Dress in layers that can be easily shed if temperatures get warm. 

Arrive Early and Get Acquainted with the Course

Allocate enough time on race morning by arriving early. This allows you to manage pre-race nerves, use facilities, and acquaint yourself with the course. Take note of potential challenges.

Practice a Positive Mindset With Visualization

Mental toughness can be as important as physical preparation. Take a few moments before the race to envision your success. Picture yourself crossing the finish line accomplishing your goals. Have a positive mindset and reflect on all of the hard work and dedication you invested into your training.

Prioritize Hydration

Begin hydrating well before race day and continue sipping water leading up to the start. For longer races, consider carrying a small water bottle to the start line.

Prepare Your Nutrition Ahead of Time

In the days leading up to the event, stick to familiar, easily digestible foods and refrain from experimenting with new items. On race morning, opt for an easily digestible meal.

Execute Your Race Plan

One common challenge on race day is starting too aggressively. Start the race conservatively and gradually increase your pace as you settle into the run. Develop a pacing strategy with your coach and trust your training!

What are you up to?

Embracing the warmer Phoenix days before the frying pan season begins. Looking forward to seeing family in the spring and waiting to learn where my husband's residency program for med school will be in June.

What are you reading?

Tools of the Titans, Tim Ferris

Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

What are you listening to?

Audio Book: Tony Robbins- Awaken the Giant within and cringing at my Spotify 2023 throwbacks

What are your non-running goals for 2024?

I am working towards opening my own gym space with the goal of ultimately owning my own gym.

Ok, but what about running?

I am working on becoming faster! I’ve been in marathon mode for a long time so I’m excited to focus on some shorter races. First up Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 mile and then a half marathon in May. Operation fast twitch.

Conquering Setbacks and Achieving PRs with Runcoach

Major milestone:

New 10K PR - 8:50 per mile!

What is the secret to your success?

Sticking to my training plan with Coach Cally is my secret to success. Even when work gets in the way or the workouts don't coincide with the time I have that day to run, I feel completely comfortable adjusting. With Cally's guidance, and this incredible training plan, I feel so supported and I am loving my journey!

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

I suffered a foot fracture in December of 2022 which led to no running for almost 7 months. I listened to my body and biked, did the elliptical. The hardest part was staying away from running during that time. Patience, and listening to my body, and once cleared, getting back into things slowly and consistently over the last year has led me back to just about my regular race pace. Runcoach and Coach Cally are definitely a big part of my journey!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

The most rewarding part of training is how great it feels to accomplish continued improvement in my running. Equally important are the high fives and kudos from the trainers and especially Cally, and being able to run the NYC Marathon in 2023, while looking forward to running many of the NYRR races this year, including the United Airlines Half Marathon and TCS NYC Marathon with confidence in my ability due to my training program.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

I would tell other runners not to stress if they cannot complete a specific workout on the assigned day due to other engagements or lack of time. If you have 30 minutes and are assigned 60 minutes of running.. do the 30! Do what you can and if you cannot run a certain day for whatever reason, adjust your schedule and keep moving forward. Trust the process, and your coaches. They are always there for you to answer your questions. You got this!

Anything else you would like to share?

I am so grateful for Coach Cally and this training platform. The support I have received and the guidance and incredible workouts have immeasurably prepared me and made me a much stronger runner.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

I have nothing but positive feedback. I feel so grateful to be trained by my amazing Coach!

What are you up to?

Right now, I remain focused on my life’s professional work = helping runners of all levels train right and reach their potential.  I’m super excited about some of the great enhancements at Runcoach we will introduce to our runners this year.

What are you reading?

Gabor Mate’s The Myth of Normal. Full disclosure I’m a terrible reader and usually put books down about 60% of the way through.  Dr. Mate’s book fascinates me.  I had no concept of inter-generational trauma and the impacts.  Further, it has practical advice on how to move forward and become inherently present.  Up until now I only had running
What are you listening to?

I’m a lyrics junkie so I like to delve into the words.  Mostly I still listen to pop, rap and of course the classics.  Taylor Swift is probably my favorite and I’m fascinated by Kanye the artist and his stories.  Recently, I was reacquainted with my college favorite Abbey Road which I still believe is the best album ever.

What are your non-running goals for 2024?

I want to read more.  I’m excited for my last season of coaching the OLA middle school track program and want to pass the reigns to the new coaches who are terrific.  I will take my first European trip to Spain in March to visit my brother, sister-in-law and niece = can’t wait!

Ok, but what about running?

I’m just coming off a ski accident and subsequent concussion so just getting back into it.  Still I’m hopeful to run the KP Half Marathon on February 4 in San Francisco.  I have a special athlete I’m hoping to pace to her first half marathon finish (you may here more about that in the future).

Breaking Barriers: Completing a Full Marathon - The interviewee reflects on a significant achievement.

Major milestone:

I finished my first full marathon in January 2024 thanks to the dedicated guidance from Runcoach and Coach Tom.

What is the secret to your success?

Mental resilience and running economy build up.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

Inconsistent training. Training adjustments to reach sufficient aerobic fitness.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Happiness.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Dedicated and personalized coaching to personalize your running training experience. Hence, stay responsive and stick to the training plan.

Anything else you would like to share?

I appreciate Coach Tom's guidance and will be a lifetime mentee.

Runners love outdoor miles, but there are times when weather conditions may force you inside. During these moments, your training does not need to be derailed! Indoor workouts can be a powerful tool to enhance your running performance, offering a chance to focus on strength, flexibility, and cross-training. Explore the following variety of indoor workouts, ensuring you stay on track with your goals:

1. Yoga is an awesome complement to running. It helps improve balance, flexibility, and mental toughness. You can incorporate yoga to improve your range of motion, enhance flexibility, and prevent injuries. Poses like Downward Dog, Warrior series, and Pigeon pose target areas commonly stressed during running. Dedicate a few sessions a week to yoga to enjoy its full benefits. Tune in here for a great workout!

2. Strength training helps prevent injuries and improves running efficiency. Focus on exercises that target major muscle groups, including squats, lunges, deadlifts, and core. Incorporating resistance training with weights or bands can improve strength and stability, contributing to better performance on the road.  We recommend this workout (which requires no weights or equipment) 2 times a week! 

3. Treadmill workouts become a valuable asset when weather conditions make outdoor running challenging. Mimic your scheduled workout on the treadmill, but place it at 1% incline and use this chart to adjust your paces.

4. Plyometric exercises focus on explosive movements to enhance your power and agility. Plyometrics engage fast-twitch muscle fibers, important for running fast. For example, these exercises can be done in a basement or garage! Include plyometrics into your routine and take your running performance to new heights.

5. Indoor cycling or Swimming are great ways to build cardiovascular fitness without the impact on your joints. Whether you use a stationary bike, join a virtual cycling class, or swim in the pool, these low-impact workouts allow you to maintain or improve your aerobic fitness. We suggest biking 3 miles for every 1 mile run prescribed within your plan, or swimming for equal time to run time.

Whether you're facing difficult weather conditions or simply seeking a change in routine, these indoor workouts will keep you engaged and motivated on your journey to becoming a more resilient runner.

Running with Joy: Unveiling Marathon Success with Runcoach

Major Milestone? The Marathon

What is the secret to your success?

Having fun, actually enjoying the runs.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

Planning adequately to get the time in and considering travel, so needing to be flexible.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Being outside in nature, watching the trees change, learning to identify a few, listening to my body and thoughts.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

I did not download the app until the end of September because I thought if I only put in weekly miles I would be okay. But a friend who has run several marathons advised me to buy it. It was a game changer! I now had a plan, it even included rest, timed runs were great and it gave me confidence to know I was doing the right thing. Being able to email the coaches (Cally for me) was great. I asked her several questions, she always answered on time and I felt someone had my back. It made me feel accompanied. The daily tips were also great. Specially the reminders to “not do anything new on race day!” because it is so easy when one is nervous to want to change things up, but I stuck to the plan and it worked. I did go out too fast, I couldn’t help it, but fortunately because I was well trained I was able to keep going. Great experience.

Striking the Right Balance: A Runner's Secret to Marathon Success

Major Milestone? 

Completing Dublin Marathon in 3:54. This was my first marathon in 22 years, and my best time in 37 years, nearly 4 decades later.

What is the secret to your success?

Discipline and focus, and setting realistic goals. I have learned that if there are failures along the way, there are always lessons that can be learned which can help make you a better runner going forward.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

It is very hard to fit the training in around family and work commitments. Sacrifices have to be made and sometimes you have to be selfish to get the me-time in. But at the end of the day, it is about finding the right balance in a realistic way. You cannot please all of the people all of the time.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

To see the improvement. To come back from a hard run at the end of the day following a really tough day at work, but knowing you have given it your best, the positive energy gained can turn any negative thoughts into a runner’s high. And you know that you are going places as you strive forward and closer to reaching your goal.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Just go for it. You will not regret it. And don’t be afraid to seek help from those around you. I am in my mid fifties and am running better and feeling better with myself than I have done in decades. I have not been able to do this on my own though, and have learned to seek help from nutritionists, physios, experienced runners and a chiropractor. The whole system needs good maintenance to work properly.

Anything else you would like to share?

Mix up your training runs - include some road running and trail running. Milestone races also add some spice and excitement and allow you to benchmark your improvement over time and to engage with the local running community too. And also try to keep it interesting by mixing up the routes and throwing in some big adventures to give excitement and memories too. The mental well-being benefits are huge.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

The coaching advice from Cally has been first class, She was always good to respond in good time, answering all of my questions and sharing her huge experience and knowledge. Thank you Cally!

Overcoming Doubts, Achieving Milestones: An Inspiring Interview with a Dublin City Marathon Finisher

Major Milestone? Dublin City Marathon (Ireland)

What is the secret to your success?

Listen to good advice like following the training plan, good nutrition, rest and sleep, strength exercises to reduce the risk of injury and warm up before every run. It's not one of these, it's all of them. Make this a routine. Above all, you have to want it.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

Worrying that I was not good enough or fit enough to run a marathon. Earlier in the training plan, this knocked my confidence. But as I achieved my sub goals I began to see the value in the plan and my confidence slowly grew. Worry has no value..stick to the plan and have patience.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

By far the most rewarding part of training was seeing my fitness level increase. A year ago, doing a 25k run was tough; now I find it relatively easy and enjoyable. My preference is longer distance running and the training plan Runcoach gave me helped me to become a confident endurance runner.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Whatever your big goal is, set mini goals along the way and train for each goal. Enter competitive runs and stick to your plan as best you can. This will give you a big confidence boost as you achieve each mini goal.

Anything else you would like to share?

I started running at the age of 51 and two years later I've just completed my first marathon. It's never too late. In the marathon, I ran with with people of all ages, abilities and challenges. If you want to do it, you can.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

Runcoach is a terrific resource to have supporting you. There are plans to suit all stages of your progress including weekly schedules and audio guide when running. But the best part is that you get a dedicated professional coach...a real person to help you and answer questions. My coach Cally is brilliant and definitely helped my achieve my goals.

Pacing in a marathon is like a finely tuned dance. Too fast, and you might find yourself running out of steam before the finish line. Too slow, and you might miss out on reaching your full potential. To master your marathon pacing strategy, you'll need to find the balance, the sweet spot, where you can maintain a consistent pace and finish strong. Let's explore tips to ensure a successful race day.

Start Slow to Finish Strong:

One of the most common pacing mistakes in marathon running is starting too fast. The excitement of the race and the adrenaline rush can tempt you to sprint out of the gate, but this can lead to early fatigue and negatively impact your overall performance. To avoid this, consciously start the race slightly slower than your goal pace. This conservative approach ensures you conserve precious glycogen stores for later in the race.  We like to think of mile 1 as a warmup mile where you can utilize a bit of fat for fuel, allow your body to warmup and turn the race fro 26.2 to 25.2 miles right off the bat.  We recommend the first mile be 30-45 seconds slower than goal pace to accomplish the above objectives.

Embrace Negative Splits:

While many marathoners aim for even splits (maintaining the same pace throughout the race), some runners aim for negative splits. Negative splits involve running the second half of the marathon faster than the first. This approach allows you to finish strong and provides a mental boost when you pass other runners in the late miles. There have been strong results from Marathon runners who complete negative splits inclusive Kelvin Kiptum’s recent World Record at Chicago where he ran 1 minute faster for the 2^nd half of the race.

Adapt When Needed:

Flexibility is a valuable within a marathon. Unexpected obstacles, like weather conditions or muscle cramps, may require adjustments to your plan. Be prepared to adapt without panicking. Sometimes, slowing down briefly can help you recover and continue at your goal pace. Many athletes have receive a great lift when they actually stop and walk briefly (preferably through an aid station) as the quick break allows muscles a brief recovery.

Trust Your Training:

Your marathon training program was designed to prepare your body for the race. Trust in the process and the hard work you've put in during your training runs. The pace you've practiced is the pace you're ready for. By following your training plan and being consistent in your workouts, you've build the endurance necessary for a successful marathon.

Keep in mind that every marathon is a unique, so remain adaptable and embrace the journey that this specific race offers. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, pacing is a skill that can always be perfected!