Reader Question: Race Morning Prep

A reader sent me the following email the other day, so I told him I would just write a post so everyone can join in the conversation.

Great blog! I found it as I have been looking for training tips, and occasionally peek at Zen Habits. Anyway, I’m gearing up for the Anchorman Portland (sprint) on August 30.

However, I am also a dad to twins (they are just a couple months shy of two now), and I am wondering what the night before and race day morning typically looks like for you? My wife just told me that she was planning on not counting on me being “present” on race day, which will help me remember my transition stuff and actually make it to the boat on time, but I thought you’d have a better idea of how it actually goes. Also, how have you and your wife balanced out your training schedule with twin care?

Just wondering. Thanks for all the great tips.

Stephen, thanks for the great question! Race morning can be stressful, even if you are by yourself, so being prepared is the best solution. I also have two-year-old twins, so I know what everyday life is like for you. Us family guys and gals have to be even better prepared than triathletes without kids!

I have addressed some of what race morning looks like for me in my previous post, 28 Tips for Triathlon Transitions. Getting all of your stuff for the run, bike and swim packed away safely and securely will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on racing.

I think it good to have your stuff packed for your race a few nights before. That way, on the actual night of the race, all you have to do is relax and prepare mentally for the challenge that lies ahead. Get it all in your transition bags, get your bike ready, etc., then get to bed early!

On race morning, especially for those with families who plan to accompany you to the race to cheer you on, I strongly suggest taking two vehicles if possible. My kids are now all over the place, so my wife, being the sweetheart she is, gives me a free pass on race morning. This means I don’t have to worry about feeding the kids or getting them dressed. She takes care of all that. I worry about eating and last minute checks of gear, etc.

I also tend to be a bit irritable on race morning (or any morning, for that matter). Taking two vehicles allows me to leave at whatever time I think appropriate, thus not stressing the rest of the family too much. They can be on their own schedule and I can be on mine. This makes everyone happier! Plus, I can listen to whatever loud rap or heavy metal music I feel like at the time! I like to get fired up, baby!

My ultimate goal is getting myself and all of my gear to the race in time to set up my transition area with plenty of time to spare before the race starts. I usually get my stuff set up and then call my wife to see where she and the kids are. I will then track them down after I do my warm-up. You will be surprised at how much a hug and kiss from your wife and kids can boost your enthusiasm and energy!

If you do have to take one vehicle to the race, simply let your family members know what to expect. If you want to get there early to have some time to relax, be sure to build that into the schedule. After you have a few races under your belt, the stress of race morning is still there, but you know what to expect, so it’s not quite as bad anymore.

Good luck! If you have specific questions on race morning or anything, please leave them in the comments. Thanks for reading!