What you do or don’t do in the 48 hours leading up to your event can have a big impact on your experience. Here’s how to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Do…
• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Think and talk to yourself positively.
• Schedule a pep talk with someone special if you think you might need a boost during the event. Give them an approximate time to call or text you with a motivating message.
• Allow 12 to 14 hours between your last big meal and race time.
• Lay out your clothing, accessories, and food/drink the night before.
• Attach your race bid (and timing chip if necessary) to your shirt the night before. Make sure you attach the bib to a layer that can be visible at all times. And pin all four corners.
• Eat breakfast about two hours before start time.
• Hit the port-a-potty as soon as you get to the start area. Lines tend to be long and it’s not uncommon for some people to be stuck in line when the race starts.
• Stash a bag with some warm layers at the baggage check (tag is usually attached to your number bib). Even if the temperatures are mild, you may get chilled after the race.

Don’t…
• Do high-intensity exercise or try any new moves.
• Get a pedicure or cut your toenails.
• Eat high fat foods.
• Eat, wear, or do anything new that you haven’t tried during a training walk.
• Skimp on water before the race in an effort to avoid bathroom stops.

And remember, you are not “just” walking a half marathon. Take “just” out of your vocabulary! You’ve trained every bit as hard as the runners at the event—and probably logged even more total training hours than they did. You’re covering the same distance as they are. You are an athlete! You are a half marathoner! Proudly walk (don’t run, unless that’s what you’ve been doing for the race) across the finish line and get ready to experience a sense of accomplishment like no other! You CAN do this!