MY PRE RACE ROUTINE & TIPS FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE A RACE - kit, running, food, travel!

[@likemarksee]

I agree with everything, we have very similar race prep routines. Personally, i don’t run on the day before a race, but i know that some people like to. I have also run some of my best times on very little sleep (once without any sleep at all). One night’s poor sleep, won’t make much difference, world records have been broken on very little sleep. If you can’t sleep, know that it’s not a show stopper….as knowing this will help you sleep anyway!

[@Hunterwindle]

Thank you for this I was kinda nervous

[@AhmetOzel-ui9fs]

Me too...🤸

[@garethmaccauley3507]

I ran Dublin marathon about 30 hours after the youngest was born. Just over 5 minutes off a pb and brought him home on the way home from the race. Amazing what adrenaline can do. So people don’t stress out about sleep. Relax and you’d do fine. Also never leave home without that important sit down 😉

[@TheWeightliftingTriathlete]

So basically, I need to have a baby in order to get a good PB? That's annoying... I need to go and talk to the Girlfriend now, brb.

[@katielane5833]

When I first read this I was thinking mom ran after giving birth. I was like damn Irish are tough! 😂

[@Kelly_Ben]

Great tips! I was told once to focus on the sleep TWO nights before the race. Not many people sleep well before a race, and this if us who depend on sleeping pills often don't dare to take them, so focusing on that night BEFORE the night before is more useful. You won't be so nervous, and that good night's sleep will carry you through.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Agreed, especially if you have to be up early day of or have to travel.

[@cliffordstanger8960]

Indica helps me and it's natural ;-)

[@paulwilliams2814]

Agreed, the night before the night before feels easier to get right than the night of the race!

[@indyrunnerii]

One trick I use so you don't have to #1 during a race....STOP drinking 1 hour and 15 minutes before the start. Then I carry a small throw away bottle to the start line and drink it 3-5 minutes before the start. I usually drink Gatorade type liquid. Throw away the bottle and you are off...without a #1 on the course. Best of luck! And ENJOY you day!

[@kenznothing]

THANK YOU GRAT TIPS

[@maarten1164]

Not how the human body works but you do you I guess

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@maarten1164 "Not how the human body works"? - Not sure how that comment addresses anything @Kent said, but please explain (in the context of this video and what @Kent said), how does the human body work? Simple fluids take up to 45 minutes to 60 minutes to pass to the bladder. If you're adequately hydrated beforehand and to prevent a full bladder, especially during the race, it's best to reduce fluid intake 60 minutes before a race. - I'm a 50+yo runner and have been running for decades. My rule when it comes to fluid intake is adequately hydrate days before the race and commence hydration hours before the race but 'significantly reduce hydration 60 minutes before the race' (a few short sips is OK when during and after your shake-out run and just before lining up). Plus take a bathroom break just before the race. The point being (and as @Kent was suggesting), reduce any bulk intake of fluid well before the race to avoid having a full bladder just before the race, or worse still, progressively feeling a full bladder during the race.

[@pato20995]

This makes absolutely no sense, I hope no one is listening to this bs

[@thepsychologist8159]

@@pato20995 Why wouldn't anyone want to listen to Ben Parkes? He's a top bloke and a brilliant runner.

[@whereirun]

Great tips! For a shakeout run pre-race-day, I like to try following the final ~5km of the course (or a safe, non-closed-course variation). Some hotels I've stayed at have this already plotted out for me, with notes about where the aid stations, finish line, etc are. If I can't get there, I like to simulate the start of the race course to visualize it. So I know where the turns are, where the aid stations will be, in distance, and it helps me on race day thinking "yeah I've been here."

[@tomwood5247]

I have the Chelmsford Marathon in a few weeks. For some weird reason no matter what race i do, i always need to do multiple toilet stops prior to the start. I now deliberate get up an hour earlier than i should just for that reason on race day! Top tip- bring your own bog roll!!! :)

[@VirtualFeats]

Thank you Ben!! This video came at the right time - have a race this weekend. Have been training hard. Really appreciate all your tips 👍 From your fans in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@BenParkes]

Have a great race.. good luck!!

[@ludovicpiejos4379]

So thankful to watch this video right before my HM race this weekend. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@laurencharltonn]

Would love to see an updated “what we eat in a day as runners” from you and Sarah?

[@TheDangerousKid]

There is a video in the archives they’ve definitely done this before 🙂

[@jonh1958]

Great advice, going to implement as much of this as I can at my next race. Have had a few nightmares pre-race in the past, worst of all was staying with someone who had a cat I was allergic to. The cat had slept on my bed so I didnt get a very restful nights sleep at all. The next day we sauntered to the start area only to see the race getting underway so I had to dash to the baggage area to drop bags whilst my friend, who was in a faster wave, started their race. To say I was annoyed was an understatement, especially when having finished my friend asked why they had had to wait so long in the cold for me to finish!!! Needless to say there were some changes made next time we ran together.

[@iftomatosareafruitwhyisntk4038]

Just in time before Brighton!🙌🏻

[@mitchyruns7818]

Snap 😂

[@philhiney]

Me toooooo!

[@davebowerman9869]

Me too

[@gary_runs]

Cheers Ben, I'm running Brighton Marathon on Sunday! Finally going ahead after two cancellations!! The London Red 'getting it done cap' will be coming out! 💯🙌🏼 Sub 4 ready!

[@michaelguery92]

The timing for the video cannot be better Ben!!! Thank you for the usefull tips along with the race day check list!!! It's gonna help a lot of people that's for sure!!

[@punitawasthi4051]

Marathon and HM starts in this part of the world at about 5-5:30 hrs, so it is not possible to eat breakfast three hours before the race. I usually eat cheese and a banana about an hour before the race.

[@charlottedownham2090]

Running the London Marathon tomorrow and found this video super helpful / reassuring! Thanks!

[@bjbrit3]

Thanks for the great advice and content Ben, you’re a class act. Running my first marathon in Brighton Sunday, main positive is it’s a guaranteed PB!

[@BenParkes]

Best of luck! Enjoy!!!

[@daveparish7335]

@@BenParkes what electrolytes do you use

[@daveparish7335]

@@BenParkes I’m running Exeter marathon on the 9th November any tips and help on the gels how many should I take ? Many thanks

[@darrenhall5783]

Thanks Ben; did my first ever half marathon road race last weekend and have my first marathon road race this weekend. Your tips and advice are great and really useful 🙏 💪🏃‍♂️

[@Kelly_Ben]

Wow, congrats!! Guessing you're running right now, good luck!

[@ChadBiason]

What should u do?

[@MrBrownie77]

Perfect timing. I’ve got a marathon in a couple of days. Love these videos. One thing i might add: do not play laser tag two days before and twist your knee. Just done exactly that and now fretting that it’s gonna be a problem on Sunday.

[@timetorunchannel]

Yessss! This is super helpful. I’m going to start implementing some of these tips in prep my long run days.

[@ianmcilwraith4479]

Half marathon this Sunday, Manchester marathon next month. Bring em on

[@markg99]

My first ever race is on Sunday. Chatsworth 10k. Thanks for the tips 👍🏻🏃‍♂️😁

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Mark!

[@arjanjon]

Just in time for Sunday's Vienna Marathon :)

[@shaunukhiking]

I like to do a parkrun the day before a race. Have to be disciplined and make sure you run it easy though. No getting carried away. Going to do Pontefract tomorrow on way up to Newcastle - breaks the journey up as well so get 1/2 the drive up out the way Friday night. Some good tips there. I have bought my safety pins and number and some clif bloks but will look at your tip sheet for everything else.

[@robinthebobin6537]

I'm doing that this week, running a metric marathon on sunday, so planning on going to parkrun saturday and running a comfortable 6mim/km pace

[@dannyjacobs6734]

2:47 to help ease the tension of ensuring your bib is on straight, put your shirt over a pillow instead of looking in a mirror or winging it! 😉

[@louiscameron]

God, Ben Parkes would hate what I did this past weekend in NYC. Times Square the day before until 8pm, 3 slices of NYC pizza with sausage and pepperoni.

[@steveb9658]

Thanks Ben! Got my first ever Half Marathon ( Great North Run) on Sunday and these tips are so useful . Soooo need to calm my nerves :)

[@robbiegreenslade]

Good luck mate. Enjoy it. All of your prep is done. Just make sure you have all of your kit etc ready and you know all of the race details. After that, you are good to go and will smash it!

[@steveb9658]

@@robbiegreenslade thanks so much mate! Appreciate that 👍👍

[@Kelly_Ben]

Good luck today!

[@steveb9658]

@@Kelly_Ben Thanks so much! 👍

[@RitaWil]

Thank you for this. Best info video. I have my first half marathon tomorrow. During training, I just eat a slightly heavier dinner and no breakfast. No matter how early I eat it, my bowels start moving quickly, especially oatmeal.

[@jom8217]

If I am travelling for my race particularly if in a different country. I also do a practice run of my pasta meal the day before the day before the race. I have a really sensitive tummy to anything new. Because even if I always eat for eg spag bol the day before a race it can be made very differently all over the world and my tummy does not like that 😂😂. Also another thing I do also because I have a dodgy tummy, if I wake up during the night before the race I will have some water/gatorade and will graze on food as I can’t eat before a race so that way I make use of my sleepless night but still get something into my tummy!

[@IAmAlawi]

Amazing video very useful ! Thank you Sarah for the checklist. Keep up the good work & all the best. Keep on running

[@mattpotter8725]

Some great advice. I was surprised to hear you suggest having pizza the day before as the only time I did this thinking the same I had to stop for a toilet break not too long into the race, which messed up the whole race. One thing I'm surprised you didn't mention, although maybe it's a given for every run, but empty the bowels before leaving the house/hotel. I find with all the adrenaline pumping through you it's easy to think you don't need to go when you do, but when you try it's there (sorry for bringing this up, but I find it important). Other than that some great advice, but for me it's pasta the day before a race and definitely not pizza. Maybe I'm wrong here but pasta will increase your glycogen levels a lot more than pizza or bread will.

[@CautionBeforeCoffee]

It’s about what works for you so long as it’s carb heavy. I have great runs on pizza night before. Pasta seems to sit in my stomach

[@fatrunner]

Great tips Ben, I've got the virtual London marathon in just under 2 weeks!

[@Writin2insanity]

Perfect timing! My first race is sept 19. It’s virtual but I’m still excited! Thanks for the tips!

[@Kelly_Ben]

How did it go?

[@Writin2insanity]

@@Kelly_Ben It's next Sunday! Ahhh! I'm excited and nervous. Even though it's virtual, it's still my first one and I'm worried about going out too fast. I went out today for a quick 20 minutes since I'm returning from a tooth extraction and still had painkillers in my system. I even went out too fast today!!! I don't quite know or know how it feels to start slower and build up.

[@Kelly_Ben]

@@Writin2insanity I totally missed reading the date. 😆 Congrats ahead of time on your first race! I've heard it can add some of the race atmosphere if you have a few friends or family there at the end for a little celebration. Have fun!

[@Divisibly9610]

Legit think that 7:23 is the first time I've ever seen you in non-running gear haha! Thank you for the tips :) I'm running Manchester in a few weeks and feeling good!

[@TheWeightliftingTriathlete]

Interesting Fact: Ben was born in a pair of 2" running shorts and holding a little baseball cap 😉

[@BenParkes]

Have a great race Dan. Good luck!

[@rakeshmottey3384]

Great video mate. Your so upbeat !! All the tips are perfect.

[@karl422]

i was casually listening while working, then i heard "Pizza" and i'm like "you have my attention!" Great video! lol

[@mishrajiBHU]

Thanks for the video with clear crisp info 🙏😊

[@SamOfSomaliaTV]

Got a 10K tomorrow and haven't trained anywhere near enough...

[@SamOfSomaliaTV]

I completed the run without vomiting of peeing myself 😅 I must say I had an amazing time and would like to run again! My time wasn't fantastic (1:11:00) but I am happy I finished and kept moving the whole time.

[@haydanajay]

Same - that’s why I’m watching this too 😆 tomorrow!

[@katrinchex5924]

I'm in London just once in a decade. No way that Saturday will be a rest day. It would feel like a waste of time in such a great city. This will be my first marathon after 10 years of not running. So any finishing time will be a PB to me. I don't care if sightseeing makes me 10 min slower or not 🤷‍♀️

[@roningaming4958]

Great timing Ben ! Im 48hrs away from my first ever race

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Ronin!

[@roningaming4958]

@@BenParkes Cheers mate !!

[@jamiexavier6654]

Another fantastic video Ben! Some brilliant tips there that I will be taking away....especially the green light for pizza as a pre race meal!

[@BenParkes]

Perfect for a Pizza pummelling run!

[@jamiexavier6654]

@@BenParkes ha ha you took the words out of my mouth! Funnily enough just about to tuck into a pizza right now. 😊

[@p_e_d_r_o_01]

Top video as usual Ben. Perfect timing ahead of the GNR on Sunday 👍👍 ps. what kind of ravioli was that? Looked de-lish!

[@BenParkes]

The clip was from 3 years ago.. bought from a Swiss supermarket in Geneva! Some kind of tortellini!

[@Mr-vv3hr]

This has really helped me with the nerves for my race tomorrow, thank you!

[@dol1030]

Antwerp Night Marathon tomorrow, which presents its own challenges! Got the pre-race routine sorted for morning starts, but let’s see what happens with a 7pm start… 😬

[@davidrogers5443]

Just in time for my Bristol race.. first race ever.. thanks Ben 👍

[@markg99]

Best of luck with the race 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@davidrogers5443]

@@markg99 thanks Mark, much appreciated 👍☺️

[@DeckardWill]

I'll be there too David - good luck!

[@davidrogers5443]

@@DeckardWill Thank you 😅 👍. Hope your run goes well also 🏃🏃😎

[@habajah5416]

I have a 5k race in two days and I'm hoping to break 18 minutes and hopefully set a good benchmark for the season since in going into my Jr year of hs and everyone always says this is the most important year.

[@TheWeightliftingTriathlete]

Interesting you say to eat 2-3 hours before. I would have thought that would be too early and you may start to feel hungry and "empty" by the time the race comes round. I'm definitely going to do that though, got a Triathlon this Sunday so will eat a big bowl of porridge and a bagel 2-3 hours before and see how that goes. Great video as always!

[@ArizonaHotSauce]

I thought this was interesting too. Most races I know start between 7 or 8am or some even as early as 6am. Doing anything 2-3 hours before that just can't make any sense unless we're now really talking about cutting sleep.

[@chrispennington1]

Thanks Ben, great timing for GNR40

[@mitchyruns7818]

I really needed this!!!

[@PZJBimha]

Thanks for the tips and the race day check list.

[@rockerune]

How do you train to say "high everybody" that fast? Fartslek? Hahha, sorry couldnt help my self. Great channel with great content. It helped me become a better runner. Thank you so much

[@carverkain5226]

Tomorrow I have to run 1.5 miles in 13:15. I’ve done it so many times but my body is such a wild card. Sometimes I finish in 11:30 and sometimes I burn out after only running .5 miles

[@TheCameronfal]

Good tips Ben! Interesting about going out for a run the day before, I always prefer to keep my legs nice and fresh!

[@BenParkes]

If that works for you then stick with it!! :-)

[@wazzere2024]

Nice and easy to understand 🤙

[@jonathanp181]

Thanks for all the tips, Ben! Any tips for eating if your race is in the evening? Running my 1st half in Antwerp this Saturday evening with a start at 6.30PM 😁

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. I noticed that race started in the evening.. very odd! I'd say to just have a late lunch.. 2-3pm.. then you'll be ok for the race. Good luck!!

[@CarlosLopez-gv8cx]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge champ.

[@dan-zo4eb]

Just in time for the GNR , Thanks

[@kristianpoulsen4121]

Maybe a little add-on for the sleep part. Don’t sleep with your Garmin on. Low sleep score and low HRV is such a mental barrier, at least for me 😊

[@DG-nn8zt]

Bachelors super noodles for breakfast… 🧐 don’t know why but they just work and worked brilliantly when I played football 🤷‍♂️

[@claudinebenstead6415]

Strangely my most successful races are after very little sleep 🛌. But I have to say I’m super tired after the races , 💤🏃🏼‍♀️

[@Mandemting]

I love when he says welcome back the channel (sic)

[@shamimnabire5377]

Just watching this. I got UAE championships tomorrow.. so helpful . Thank you

[@pavelarkharov1692]

Runniung my first full marathon in Helsinki in about 100 minutes. Chumping on my super-hero porridge with reduced fat and protein content. Wish me luck!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck!

[@TheWaterlou25]

The best part about the day before a race is the pizza/pasta the night before 😊

[@michaelsesler1158]

thanks for the checklist

[@joesmith7497]

I also PB'd my half marathon last weekend on 1.5hrs sleep. Wasn't nervous, just couldn't switch off. My wife was not happy 😂

[@andys121.]

Are you doing the Great North Run this year ?

[@BenParkes]

Not this year I'm afraid Andrew. Good luck if you are!!

[@jamesb.walker9177]

Great video and great timming too! I am always in doubt if I should carry some liquids with me during the race as I really struggle to take from the drinking stations. Any tips?

[@frickseerose6146]

I have to shoot a 13h wedding before my first half and will at best sleep for maybe 5h.

[@PatriciaVasquez-lf6np]

Thanks Ben! Just in time before Berlin 🎉😊

[@nappifamily4]

hahah watching this in my hotel in Berlin as we speak!!

[@iwaschuggy]

Ben, you forgot… CHARGE THE GO PRO.. 😂

[@SerenWen_art]

Great tips, big fan of pre (and post) race pizza! If you’re planning on having instant porridge or hot drinks for breakfast in a hotel room, check they have a kettle so you can take a travel kettle if they don’t! Agree about the sleep, camped before the New Forest marathon once, could sleep because of a bird constantly squawking, turns out the people in the van opposite had their pet parrot with them! 🤷‍♀️

[@daveparish7335]

What is the stuff you put in the water with orange juice and water

[@Ben_Land]

Great video. Helpful stuff.

[@adriancritchley2485]

I've been watching video after video waiting for someone to tell me it's OK to eat pizza the day before a marathon. There we go. Manchester tomorrow 🍕🏃😁

[@lshannon41]

Great video as always. I was wondering what your thoughts are on beetroot juice pre race?

[@BenParkes]

It’s not something I’ve ever tried.. but know a few people do like it!

[@thattgirrl]

I love it

[@elizasalmeron407]

I have my half marathon this weekend and I’m not running, I can’t afford to get injured before my race

[@EasyPoker]

Great video! Thanks a lot 😉

[@Unreflected]

I prefer rest for the entire day, maybe a little walk... I don't like to change my meals and routine the day before.

[@MuseRunner]

Thanks as always for the content. 1 quick question if you don't mind. when you race, do you go out by feel? or upto a max HR or even going by pace please?

[@winnieandlilo6825]

Making sure you hydrating the day before the race! You don’t want to go into race day dehydrated!

[@richardcollins586]

Richmond half on Sunday.

[@lorrainecowan7288]

Good lhelp doing my 26 vital 3 oct

[@radomirsretenovic8492]

What about cleaning your bowl before half marathon?

[@MaxWeir]

Is that bagels and coffee? Or something else

[@internalmedicine9982]

Running a half marathon in about 9 hours 😂. Thanks

[@noahdemoliner7412]

thankxss a lot

[@molder2233]

I prefer to to take a maximum-strength laxative the night before the big race. I like to challenge myself both physically and psychologically. I’m sad to report that I’ve not been successful on either front in any of the races I’ve run since employing this tactic. Nor have I been invited back to any of them. 🤔

[@TomGoreReal]

Thanks, Ben. Appreciate it

[@sublime9525]

If I drink 1.5 liters before the race, I’d wanna go to the bathroom at least a few times during the race 😢

[@markoljustina]

👍🏻

[@MrTandstad]

So basically, the day before it is netflix and chill for maximum 30 minutes? 😆

[@nokrome]

Isn’t pizza high fat food?

[@karldunnicliff824]

Hi Ben. You’ve mentioned before your use of loperamide before a race. I also use them. Do you find any problem with absorbing carbs differently after taking them?

[@BenParkes]

I've never noticed any difference.. have never researched it properly though.. but always felt ok during races taking gels etc.

[@karldunnicliff824]

@@BenParkes thanks. I’ve looked for some info but haven’t found any. Asked a nutritionist and my doctor too but they weren’t sure either.

[@uras1]

Never try new food the night before :/

[@MrElectricSkittles]

KwAssoNTs 😂

[@timbrawdy2249]

Every time I eat pizza I suffer for like 3 days. lol

[@lonejamsheed8623]

Can i run a marathon if i have never ran before, just ran for few weeks, btw the marathon is tommorow and i have registered for it. Please answer

[@callum1131]

Song at the end of the video?

[@GTCYW]

I'm a morning pooper. How about poop first before race or after . I worry halfway need to go. Lol sorry for the awkward question

[@jota55581]

My first hañf matarhon is sunday is it ok to do a ten k thursday?