As the season is getting into full swing, everyone is undoubtedly preparing for race day. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about planning your race day preparations. Here are a few items to think about so that you can learn from the mistakes of others.

Nutrition
Make sure you know what the event organizers will be providing on the course. If it is not listed, you can send an email to the race coordinator, or look at the sponsors for the race. If you are used to using a specific type of gel or flavor of sports drink and they are not the sponsor for the race, bring your own nutrition. Ideally you want to have a “stomach of steel” but lets face it most of us don’t so be prepared. Nothing can ruin a race faster than not having the nutrition you need.

Logistics
If you are doing a new race, make sure you scout the locations of the transition area and the parking area at least one day in advance. Know how long it is going to take you to get there on race morning. You don’t want to get to the site and then find out the transition area is still four blocks away! Print the race map out and get a feel for the layout of swim start/finish and the transition areas. If there is a pre-race meeting for the event, make sure you attend. There may be special rules for the ride, like riding on the left side of the road instead of the right.

Race Day
Take the time you think you need to get to the transition area and add 30 minutes. It is better to be 30 minutes early than to be worried about getting ready in time. When you get to the site, locate the restroom facilities. You don’t want to be panicking looking for them later. Make sure to check your tire pressure one last time and check that your brakes are not rubbing. It really stinks when you finish a race and find out that you rode 56 miles with one of your brakes on. Bring an extra pair of goggles with you to the swim start. If your current pair breaks as you enter the water, you won’t have to swim the course with your eyes closed.
 
Hopefully these tips will help you for your next race. But the best advice is to take whatever comes your way in stride and just go with the flow. You have trained too hard to turn back now!