If your pals poke fun at your "lucky" racing shorts, circa 1993, take heart. Experts say superstitions and prerace routines can boost performance. "Rituals focus your attention so you're ready to race," says Darren Treasure, Ph.D., a sports psychology consultant with the Nike Oregon Project. "They may also trigger muscle responses that relax your form." Here are the secret weapons of top runners.
BILL RODGERS
Run a Faster 5K with Run/Walk Intervals Boston
"In 1979, I wore a wool Snoopy hat on all my training runs. I decided to race Boston in it. I won, and broke the American marathon record."
MICHAEL WARDIAN
2010 Ways to Make Running This Winter More Enjoyable
"I wear my lucky socks (The North Face Fire Road). I only wear them to race. Then I triple-knot my shoelaces. Finally, I put on my ball cap backward. I always had to wear a helmet for lacrosse in high school and college, so wearing something on my head gets me ready to compete. It makes me feel serious and gets me ready to push myself to the highest level."
JOSH COX
U.S. 50-K record holder
"The night before a race, I lay out my gear. I grab my racing flats, apply my timing tag, and set down my socks. Next, my warmup pants and jacket. Then, my shorts, singlet, and race number. If it's cold, I add arm sleeves, gloves, and a beanie."
MELISSA WHITE
All About the Run/Walk Method Chicago Marathon
"I hope to get a race number that is an even number. I feel better if it's even. I also like my daily runs to be even, like eight or 10 miles."
RYAN HALL
Health & Injuries
"I shave my head, face, and legs a day before a big race. It makes me feel lighter and faster. It gets me excited to race."
MOLLY HUDDLE
U.S. 5-K record holder
"I eat a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich and do drills (butt kicks, high knees). I've done this since high school. It gets me in race mode."
SARA HALL
Races - Places
"I've raced in the same pair of Japan Thunder spikes for five years. But I always bring three pairs with me when I travel. If one gets lost and one gets stolen, I'll still have a backup pair."
SCOTT JUREK
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
"During my first five Western States victories, I had a lucky pair of shorts that I wore. I also always crumple my race bib and make it more like soft fabric so it moves better with my clothing and my body. It comes from my old Nordic ski-racing days."
Routine Matters
U.S. 5-K record holder—until you forget to pack your favorite shorts or socks. That's why sports psychologist Rob Udewitz, Ph.D., recommends breathing exercises as a prerun routine. "It's one ritual that won't fail you," Udewitz says. "Inhale slowly and exhale slowly, about six breaths per minute, and repeat that for three minutes. It has a calming effect."
22% OF RESPONDENTS TO A RUNNERSWORLD.COM POLL HAVE A LUCKY CHARM, RITUAL, OR ROUTINE THEY CAN'T RACE WITHOUT.
Matt Allyn
Features Director
CA Notice at Collection Bicycling and Runner's World magazines. He's run nine marathons and come heartbreakingly close to BQing three times. In addition to running and cycling, he's also covered beer for more than a decade and is a certified beer judge.
