RaCe Day PrEvIeWs : 101

Anyone else a RaCe DaY PrEvIew dork like myself?

I realize we're all blogging gurus, and feel the need to capture a lot of (sometimes insignificant) pics on our running adventures (selfies, anyone?). Do you also feel compelled to lay out your race outfit the day (or evening) before said race? Or even for an especially significant training run (I'm looking at you, Mr. 20-Miler)?

Yes? No? Maybe so???


Well, I unashamedly admit to doing it. Care to hear the whys behind the madness?

**It's a great opportunity to play with color.
In case you cannot tell, I have a small obsession with color. I also have an artsy-fartsy brain, which means I can visualize how certain colors are going to play with (or against) each other. That said, setting everything out allows me to confirm all the colors are a go without the stress of doing it last-minute in a dark, early morning bedroom.

All kinds of pink

**If something doesn't look "right," you'll have plenty of time to fix it. Even with my color know-how, I still have numerous running outfit fails. Again, it's much easier to make wardrobe changes before going to bed than with a cloudy mind the next morning, especially if you're pressed for time. The majority of my races are out of town, so I have to hit the road early to ensure I'll get to the start line on time.

there was a debate on black  vs. yellow compression sleeves...the yellow won

**You can give yourself options to allow for questionable weather. Have you ever stalked the weather, only to have it change every few hours? Rain? Snow? Bright sunshine? Having your gear ready to go (with potential inclement weather options at the ready) will give you peace of mind.

Rainy day options...extra shoes, socks, a towel, and a dry cleaning bag (makeshift poncho)

**Don't forget the accessories! How about the Garmin? The Ipod? Fuel belt? Sunglasses?  Don't just lay out the clothing, but add the must-have gadgets and gizmos as well to the mix. If you have everything all in one place, you're less likely to forget it.

sunglasses, Ipod, fuel belt, etc.....

**It shows fellow racers what you'll be wearing. Most races also involve meet-ups with fellow runners...many of whom I've never met in person. If we all know what each other will be wearing, it makes it that much easier to spot one another in a slew of others at a crowded start line.

Go bright or go home...you will seldom ever see me in solid black

**What about the race bib??? I don't always have the chance to pick up my race packet prior to the race day. When I do, though, I usually include it in my Race Day Preview so it's there with everything else and less likely to get left behind. A word of caution...if it's a big race (where the race bibs are at a prime), you may want to cover some of the bib number so it can't be counterfeited).

Las Vegas RnR Half Marathon (yes, I did wear the event shirt for the race)

**What if you cannot decide? For a Christmas-themed race last year, I had two outfits that I simply could not choose between...so I left it up to my followers (on Facebook and Instagram). Ultimately, they led me to go with the funky leggings instead of the Santa fur-trimmed shorts.

What would you have chosen?

**Don't ya just love a fun, holiday themed event? Even though I'm a warm weather fan, I do enjoy a winter race with a festive atmosphere. It helps one cope with the chilly temps, right?

Red Flannel Run and Leprechaun Chase

Anyways, this is just a sampling of some recent outfits from the past year. It's always kind of fun to look back through race recaps and see what I wore for the various races...I don't think I've ever worn the exact same outfit twice. But I could be wrong...

What do you think? Have you ever laid out your racing gear the night before a race? Any tips you'd share?

**I'm linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.

**I'm also linking this with Debbie and Rachel and Marc and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner

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