It’s a week before the big event and you are ready to reap the fruits
of your efforts. You should be lightening up a bit with your workouts to
give your muscles a break. Avoid any excessive stretching which might
cause soreness.
Keep working on your positive visualization, focusing more on a
successful finish and a comfortable run.
Get as much sleep as you can during the week, because you will probably
be too excited the night before the race to get much shut-eye. Consume
plenty of carbohydrates and fluids.
On the race day, there should be nothing new under the sun. This means
getting to know the course. If there is a hill on the 5th mile,
practice negotiating a hill on the 5th mile of your practice run. Your clothes
and shoes should definitely not be new. Wear your favorite well-worn
shirt, since crisp, new fabrics can make your skin uncomfortable with
constant rubbing. Know the weather predictions for the race day, and be
prepared for every scenario. What if it is going to be a rainy day? Make
a marathon poncho out of a trash bag with one hole for your head and
two holes for the arms. It may not be a London Fog, but it is the most
lightweight solution for running in the rain. Or you might not mind
running through a cooling, natural shower. Whatever option you choose, make
sure you have tested it before the marathon.
As your mother always told you to do before your first day of school,
lay out your things the night before, go to bed early (whether or not
you will be able to sleep), wake up in plenty of time to prepare so you
won’t be rushed, and eat a good breakfast. Hopefully Mom and company
will be there to cheer you on and to share in your success as you cross
the finish line.