Race Day Tips

May is a HUGE month for races, at least in Ohio. The three biggest cities have their spring races in May with The CapCity Half Marathon in Columbus, The Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, and Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon in, you guessed it!, Cleveland. With so many people running in these large races (and many other races!) and many of these people first time racers, I thought I'd mention some race day tips that I've learned along the way.

• Arrive early! I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I've seen and heard so many people talk about missing the start or feeling rushed because they did not allow enough time for traffic. I usually allow for an extra hour over what time I think I should arrive. Yes, it's typically earlier than I need to be there, but it's good to not be stressed out by being stuck in traffic, not finding a parking place, and it's run to watch all the other racers' pre-race rituals. Find a nice spot, sit down with your friends and relax!
• Test your race day outfit! If you're running a half marathon or farther, it's just smart to give your race day outfit a test run. There is nothing worse than chafing or uncomfortable clothing on a run. Add that to the stress and excitement of a race and it may be the difference between meeting your goal time and not.
• Line up in the right spot to start! If your race does not have an official corral start, if it's a large enough race, there are typically still pacers. Line up near or behind the pace group of your goal time even you aren't planning to run with the pace group. It will save you and the other runners a lot of aggravation and/or stress at the beginning of the race. Also, it will make sure you (hopefully) don't go out too fast in the first couple miles. If everyone lines up in the appropriate area for the start, there will be less cause for the dreaded weaving around slower runners.
• Pick mile spots along the way for your support crew! Make sure both you and your support crew discuss where they will be and which side of the road they will be on. Running my half marathon last May (first time racing for a time goal), my family was in a different spot about a mile from where I expected them to be. When I ran past the place where I THOUGHT they would be, I felt like crying thinking that I had somehow missed them. Luckily, I saw them about a mile later, but for that mile, I really had to suck it up and keep running, hoping I would see them before the finish. We all learned something that day! :)
• Wear bright colors! This makes it much easier for your friends and family to spot you and hopefully in enough time to get a good picture or two.
• Have your support crew wear bright colors! This makes it easier to spot them so you don't miss them.
• Move to the side if slowing down or walking! If you need to slow down or walk during the race, please check behind you, then move to the side so you are not causing runners to have to go around you or worse, cause them to run into you.
• Check for other runners before you toss your water or sports drink cup! Nothing worse than being splashed by another runner's half empty sticky sports drink at an aid station. Just be aware of your surroundings. There are always tons of trash cans (at least the races I've been to) and if you are already near the side since you just received your beverage, then stay on the side, have your drink and throw it in the trash can. I have slipped and almost fallen from so many cups and sticky liquid on the ground. Plus it's just common courtesy to get it as close to the trash can as possible.
• Smile at the finish line! You'll be much happier when you see your finish line pictures. Trust me, I have a few pictures that make me cringe. Smile, you made it to the finish line! 
• Remember you trained for this, ENJOY the race!!!

What other race day tips would you add?