race week checklist for your first 50k

taper week, not more training. this is what to do instead of one more long run

01
Stop adding long runs, taper started weeks ago
test it in training was supposed to happen already, race week isn't the time to start
02
Your last real long run should be a memory, not this week's plan
03
4-6 short strides at faster pace, not more mileage
keeps the legs feeling snappy without digging a hole
04
Lay out your race kit two days before, not the morning of
05
Test the exact breakfast you'll eat race morning
carbs are the sport, but find that out on a training run, not at mile 2
06
Pack drop bags if the race allows them
07
Check the course's aid station spacing and plan fueling around the gaps
some 50ks have a 9 mile gap in the middle, mine did
08
Break in the shoes you're racing in, not new ones
09
Sleep matters more two nights before than the night before
the night before you'll be too nervous anyway, that's normal, don't panic about it
10
Print or screenshot the course map, phones die
11
Hydration plan for the real forecast, not last month's guess
12
Salt and electrolyte plan tested at long-run pace
test it in training, don't guess this on race day
13
Know the cutoff times for every aid station
wrote mine on my arm, wish i'd done that at my last one
14
Pack dry clothes for after, not just before

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