The Race is Over…Now How Do I Find My Car?

Marathon season is great!  There are great places to see, new people to meet, the training is fun and, of course, there is the final satisfaction of testing yourself on a racecourse.

A lot of people obsess over their pre-race plan.  They’ve visualized the course, figured out their race outfit, what they’re going to have for breakfast and how they’re getting to the Start Line.  What a lot of racers forget is what they’re going to do AFTER the race.  Do you really want to figure out how to get home once your feet are hurting, you’re tired, you’re drenched with sweat AND feeling a little loopy?

Here’s a quick list of things to consider BEFORE the race starts:

Where are you going to meet your friends?

• If you’re running with friends, don’t count on staying together through the entire race.  Just in case, always have a predetermined meeting place.  Some popular places are Family Reunion (decide ahead of time what the letter will be!), the title sponsor’s booth and the Beer Garden.

How are you going to get home?

• Find out if you can park a car near the Finish Line or maybe a friend can pick you up.  Sometimes shuttles are provided; figure out which one you need to be on to get you back.

Are you going to want to change?

• After any extended race, most people want to at least get out of their sneakers and have a clean t-shirt handy.  Packing it ahead can make you feel tons better with little effort.  Have it waiting with your friend, your car or leave it at bag drop.

When will you need to eat?

• A lot of people really don’t feel like a ‘real’ meal after an extended run.  Consider your training, and figure out when and where you’ll have your post race meal.  It’s an integral part of your recovery.

Doing a little planning will really help your outlook after the race.  You’ve just exhausted yourself racing; no need to tax your brain right afterwards!!