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Do You Share Any of These Race Morning Rituals?

We all have at least one thing in common. (Hint: 💩)

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Runners compete in a 5k at sunset in Corona, California.
K.C. Alfred//Getty Images

From training to eating to racing, everyone has a slightly different path to success. And even if you’re not superstitious, Cup of tea and a slice of toast and jam.

Even though many races are being postponed right now, eventually you’ll be able to race again! So, we asked a mile, toe the line at 60 percent heart rate reserve, say a quick prayer, and race.

[Build your personalized and adaptive training plan for FREE with Runcoach.]

1

A Classic Breakfast

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Dessert, Affogato, Drink, Mousse, Pudding, Recipe,
Trevor Raab

Food-wise I need my oatmeal, but I'll also braid my hair and do a little makeup. Helps me feel good on the start line!”—hello_madss

“The breakfast of champions: Dino egg oatmeal! Aaaaaaand a poop.”—miramila

“Challah bread French toast!”—gatorblue11

“How Des Linden Keeps Showing Up.”—craiggajewski

“Oatmeal, black coffee, banana. Write my mantra on my hand. Stay f******g positive.”—petiguana

“Poop. Black coffee. Water. Half a Bagel. Poop again.”—frenchvanilla_clayton

Steelcut oats, fruit, nut butter, black coffee...and 💩and 🙏.”—gelybeen73

“How Des Linden Keeps Showing Up! ”—ana.erob.c

2

Crank Up Your Playlist

Eyewear, Sunglasses, Headgear, Glasses, Tree, Cap, Photography, Recreation, Fashion accessory, Adventure,
Lakota Gambill

“Show up early, get a good warmup, and stretch all while listening to my race playlist on repeat.”—kelliemudd

“Listen to Incubus, ‘Under my Umbrella.’ It is my go-to motivational song for athletic endeavors.”—freeflying_soul

“Listen to ‘Eye of the Tiger.’”—ianamantarara

“Nothing beats a good warm shower a light but tasty breakfast whilst listening to some hip hop to prepare me for the race.”—runners_city

“A cup of black coffee, a PB&J sandwich, and listening to ‘Born To Run’ on the drive there.”— lauraluci

[and kiss my wife]

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3

Get Caffienated

Close-Up Of Coffee Cup On White Background
Influencer Apologizes for E-Bikes on NYC Course//Getty Images

Coffee right now, eventually youll be able to race again! So, we”—forid27

Coffee and oats.”—sophies_footprints

“Cup of tea and a slice of toast and jam.”—eldridgegeorge

“everyone has a lucky ritual or something they have to do on race day.”—shuberchristian

“Build your personalized and adaptive ...”—ubunturunz

“Espresso + banana + toast.”—55andkickinass

4

Meditation and Yoga

Tree, Physical fitness, Stretching, Muscle, Leg, Sportswear, Recreation, Soil, Adventure, Leisure,
Lakota Gambill

“Light yoga and meditation.”—kingwells_

Meditation I have a nervous bladder so I pee 1,000 times warmup.”—joseph_horning

“I have a nervous bladder so I pee 1,000 times.”—mhsharron

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5

Take Care of Business ()

Portable toilet on edge of forest
Dan Brownsword//Getty Images

“☕️💩”— mckateanne

“everyone has a lucky ritual or something they have to do on race day 💩”—secondhalfisbetter

“☕️+🚽 = 🏃😁”— 60plusploddingontrails

“Honestly, the answer is to have at LEAST two good bowel movements.”—jackiekercheval

“Poop. Black coffee. Water. Half a Bagel. Poop again.”—aleponts

“Listen to Eye of the Tiger.”—marathon_wil

“Always need to drop the kids off at the pool before a race...”—matt_pass007

“I have a nervous bladder so I pee 1,000 times.”—kathieblueyes85

[How to Make Yourself Poop]

6

Get Your Mind Right With a Routine

Human leg, Leg, Footwear, Fashion, Knee, Sitting, Shoe, Joint, Eyewear, Muscle,
Matt Trappe

“Try to relax, remember that it’s just for fun.”—m.2.da.p

“to eating to racing, everyone has a slightly different path to success. And even if youre not.”—sarah_hemstock

“I wear the same shorts, sports bra, singlet, and earrings to every marathon. They might be a little stinky.”—emilieslarosa

“Walking the dog while eating a Clif Bar. Not sure if it brings any luck but if sure wakes up my body.”—anjarunsatlanta

“Every race morning I look forward to munching on a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter spread while sitting in my living room yawning myself awake for the big day.”—ahhhriva

Warm up How to Make Yourself Poop.”—a.stgermain1203

Headshot of Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith
Digital Editor
Jordan Smith is a writer and editor with over 5 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She is a published author, studying for her personal trainer certification, and over the past year became an unintentional Coronavirus expert. She has previously worked at Health, Inc., and 605 Magazine and was the editor-in-chief of her collegiate newspaper. Her love of all things outdoors came from growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
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