As the Buffalo Marathon & Half Marathon race day draws near, anticipation and nerves often surge. Whether you’re gearing up for your first marathon or aiming to set a personal record in a half marathon, the week before the race is crucial. At Catalyst Fitness, we understand the importance of these final days, and we’re here to guide you through the optimal training and preparation process. Here’s your comprehensive guide to ensuring you’re race-ready.

1. Tapering: Less is More

Tapering involves reducing your training volume to allow your body to recover fully while maintaining fitness. Here’s how to do it right:

• For Marathon Runners: Cut your mileage down to about 30-50% of your peak week. Focus on shorter, easy runs.
• For Half Marathon Runners: Reduce your mileage to 50-60% of your peak. Include a couple of easy runs and perhaps one light tempo run.

The goal during tapering is to stay active without straining your muscles. This rest period helps repair any micro-tears in your muscles, replenishes glycogen stores, and boosts your mental sharpness.

2. Nutrition: Fueling for Performance

Proper nutrition can make or break your race. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Carb-Loading: Begin increasing your carbohydrate intake about three days before the race. Aim for complex carbs like whole grains, pasta, rice, and vegetables to maximize glycogen stores.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the week. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet with lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

On the day before the race, have a carb-rich meal for dinner, but avoid anything too heavy or unfamiliar that could upset your stomach.

3. Rest and Recovery: Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. In the days leading up to the race, particularly focus on getting good sleep two nights before the race, as pre-race nerves might make it harder to sleep the night before.

4. Mental Preparation: Visualize Success

Mental readiness is just as important as physical preparation. Here’s how to keep your mind sharp:

• Visualization: Spend some time each day visualizing the race. Picture yourself running smoothly and confidently, overcoming challenges, and crossing the finish line strong.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Remind yourself of the hard work you’ve put in and your readiness for the race.
• Race Strategy: Plan your race strategy. Know the course, decide on your pacing, and be prepared for any weather conditions.

5. Gear Check: Be Ready

Ensure all your gear is ready well in advance:

• Shoes: Run in the shoes you plan to wear on race day to make sure they’re comfortable and broken in.
• Clothing: Choose weather-appropriate clothing that you’ve worn before during long runs.
• Race Kit: Prepare your race kit, including your bib, gels, hydration pack, and any other essentials. Lay everything out the night before the race.

6. Light Exercise and Stretching

While tapering, incorporate light exercise and stretching to stay limber:

• Easy Runs: Include a couple of easy runs of 3-5 miles. These should be at a comfortable, conversational pace.
• Stretching and Foam Rolling: Focus on gentle stretching and foam rolling to keep your muscles loose and prevent stiffness.
• Cross-Training: Light cross-training activities like swimming or yoga can help keep you active without overloading your muscles.

7. Race Day Logistics

Plan the logistics of race day to reduce stress:

• Arrival Time: Know the race start time and plan to arrive at least an hour early to account for parking, warm-up, and bathroom breaks.
• Warm-Up Routine: Have a warm-up routine that includes light jogging and dynamic stretches to get your blood flowing and muscles ready.

The week before a marathon or half marathon is all about balance. It’s a time to taper your physical activity, fine-tune your nutrition, ensure adequate rest, and mentally prepare for the race ahead. By following these guidelines, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable race day.

At Catalyst Fitness, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way. Good luck, and we’ll see you at the finish line!