Peaking on race day

Race day: the moment where everything comes together.

Months of training and preparation lead to one race. But peaking at the right time isn't luck—it takes structure, realism, and mental focus. Here's how to prepare both physically and mentally for your best race day performance.

1. Confidence Comes from Preparation

Confidence is built in the weeks and months leading up to the race—not just through training, but by organizing everything around it: nutrition, gear, game plan, and race strategy.

Important: Let go of your training as race day nears. What's done is done. Avoid last-minute training or testing yourself with one more hard session. If you review your prep, do so well in advance. Training is different from performing. The latter requires a different mindset.

2. The Game Plan: Everything Before the Start

Your game plan includes everything leading up to the start line. How can you show up ready and relaxed?

• Make a schedule
• Plan logistics
• Create a checklist
• Know yourself and find your focus

3. The Race Plan: Realistic and Task-Oriented

• Set realistic expectations
• Choose a responsible starting pace
• Focus is key
• Stay in the moment
• Have a plan B

4. Preparation Is Key: Practice Before the Big Day

Use your prep period to test all race-day elements:

• Practice nutrition
• Practice hydration and fueling
• Test gear
• Study the course
• Develop a warm-up routine

Don't try anything new on race day!

5. Race Day Nerves

Nerves are normal and necessary. You need a certain level of tension to be sharp and perform well. Suppressing it drains energy.

Visualize your race in the days before. Go through your plan with positive images. On race day, the tension is high, but follow your plan, warm up well, and go for it!