Race Day Simulation: How and Why to Mimic the Conditions of your Race in Training

If you're preparing for a fall marathon or other endurance race, then now is the perfect time to start practicing your race day. As the temperatures cool and you hit your peak training, the fatigue in your legs will help to simulate the feeling of racing without actually running the full race distance. It's super important to mimic the conditions of your goal event to prepare for the challenges of race day. This can help with building confidence because you'll know you're ready for the big day or you'll know what you still need to work on. There's a lot of variables to consider, so we're doing our best to cover them all. Everything from how fast you start your race to what time you want to wake up can be practiced ahead of time and you'll likely feel better prepared if you do. Coach Andie has years of experience helping athletes conquer races of all kinds and joins the show to share how you can feel as prepared as possible. During the show we'll cover everything you need to simulate your race including: How practicing your race conditions can improve performance? How much of your training should be done at goal race pace? Do you need to practice the time you plan to wake up for your race? How can you simulate your fueling without aid stations? How much should you train with the shoes you plan to race in ahead of time? Even if you've been running for years, every race brings different challenges that you can prepare for. We know race day is fast approaching, so let's get into what you can do to prepare for race day. Connect, Comment, Community Follow RunnersConnect on Instagram Join the Elite Treatment where you get first dibs on everything RTTT each month! Runners Connect Winner's Circle Facebook Community RunnersConnect Facebook page GET EXPERT COACHING AT RUNNERSCONNECT! This week's show brought to you by: Ketone-IQ You may have read a lot the last few years about the benefits of ketones for endurance performance, such as mitochondrial efficiency and glycogen sparing. Your body uses ketones for energy typically during fasting, long periods of exercise, or when you don't have as many carbohydrates. The problem is that you typically need to severely reduce your carbohydrate intake in order to take advantage of them, which is difficult to sustain, even for the most dedicated runner. But, thanks to Ketone-IQ you quickly deliver ketones to your bloodstream, putting you into ketosis within minutes without the need to fast, restrict calories or carbs, or exercise away your glycogen stores. And the academic literature on the effectiveness of ketones for running performance is overwhelming. For example, a 2021 study demonstrated that the ingestion of ketones improved mitochondrial efficiency by 7% and 2019 study concluded that using ketones significantly enhanced endurance performance while minimizing overtraining. If you want to see more of the research, head to ketone.com/RTTT Plus, for a limited time you can save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ by going ketone.com/RTTT . That's K-E-T-O-N-E dot com slash RTTT. LMNT Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels will not only improve performance and endurance on the run, but can help with preventing headaches, maintaining a healthy weight, and help with recovery. That's why we recommend all runners check out LMNT. It's loaded with everything you need to replenish your electrolyte balance with 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, and doesn't include anything you don't need like extra sugar or anything artificial. Even better, they are currently running a special deal where you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order. So, order your favorite flavor and get a free sample pack to try out new flavors or share with your running friends. To get this special offer and make sure you're hydrating properly this summer, head over to drinklmnt.com/runnersconnect .