You’ve spent months becoming stronger. Don’t let one week of overthinking convince you otherwise.
It’s the week of the Gold Coast marathon festival, and I know many of you are heading there for you first, second, tenth – and all the numbers inbetween races. I was lucky to run GC marathon last year, and although it wasn’t exactly my best day out on the road- que the slow decline in health that erupted in December ‘25 – but that’s all in the past now. The Expo was great, the atmosphere was amazing and the weather was a wonderful little break from Adelaide’s winter! Good luck to you all, and have the most amazing time x
Whether it is your first or twentieth marathon, first 5k or the first time you’re challenging yourself to a half marathon, the week before can really mess with your psyche, so I have come up with a fail save list to get you through the last few days – please feel free to refer to this before all your future races, I’m sure it will make all the difference (I am joking!!!)
If this is your first big race, here’s your official Running Mums Australia survival guide:
1. Don’t Panic Buy New Running Gear
The expo is dangerous.
You’ll walk in needing to collect your bib and somehow convince yourself that the pretty coloured carbon shoes, the new socks, the hydration vest, the magic shorts and the antichafing unicorn cream are exactly what’s been missing from your training.
They aren’t.
Your race day outfit should already be decided because you’ve tested it on long runs. You know where it rubs, what pockets actually work and whether those tights stay put after 12 kilometres. Race day is not the time for fashion experiments. And don’t forget an RMA visor has magic in it, so don’t forget to packk it!!!
The same goes for shoes. Unless your current pair is literally falling apart, stick with what has carried you through months of training.
Remember: your fitness comes from the hundreds of kilometres you’ve already run; not from something you bought three days before the race.
The expo is for excitement, photos and maybe a coffee… not a complete wardrobe overhaul.
2. Trust the Taper (Even though it feels weird)
Welcome to your legs suddenly feel heavy. You question whether you’ve forgotten how to run. Every tiny ache becomes a potential career ending injury. You somehow convince yourself you’ve lost all your fitness in four days.
Congratulations 🥳 You’ve officially entered taper madness.
Your body is recovering from months of hard work, and sometimes recovery feels surprisingly uncomfortable. It can feel like you’ve gone backwards when, in reality, you’re becoming fresher and stronger.
You do not need to “test yourself” with one more long run.
You do not need to squeeze in another speed session because you’re worried. You definitely cannot gain extra fitness this week, but the importna thing to remember is that you can arrive at the start line tired.
Trust the process. The hard work is already done. This week is about arriving healthy, rested and excited. A morning or afternoon walk and talk with friends is on the cards this week.
3. Hydrate Like an Adult … Not Like a Camel
Hydration is important.
That doesn’t mean spending the last 48 hours trying to consume enough water to refill a pool at Seaworld as you go past!
Your goal is simply to stay well hydrated throughout the week.
Drink regularly. Keep an eye on your urine colour (yes, we went there). Eat normally. Include electrolytes if it’s going to be warm or you’re a particularly salty sweater, it was very hot last year, especially for the 5 and 10km runners on Saturday by the time they started and finished, and any runners out for more than 4 hours on Sunday. I know we don’t like to hear it – but yes they ran out of water at a couple of stations last year, it does not hurt to take a small soft flaskl with you and keep that one topped up JUST IN CASE!
Most importantly, don’t suddenly force litres of water.
Too much water can actually cause problems too.
Think steady, sensible and boring.
4. Protect Your Energy from the “Experts”
Something magical happens when people hear you’re running a marathon.
You’ll hear:
“You should definitely start faster.”
“You’ll hit the wall at exactly 32 kilometres.”
“You need to eat twelve bowls of pasta.”
“My cousin’s neighbour’s uncle did one once…”
Smile. Nod. Thank them politely.
Then ignore about 90% of the advice.
You’ve spent months following a training plan that works for you. Your coach, your plan and your own experience matter far more than random opinions collected from people that do not know you and your plan.
Protect your confidence this week.
Your biggest job is believing in the runner you’ve become, not listening to everyone else’s race horror stories.
5. Remember Why You Signed Up
Somewhere between gels, strava stalking and weather apps, it’s easy to forget something important.
This is supposed to be fun.
Whether you’re chasing a time, walking parts of the course, aiming simply to finish or hoping to smile for every photographer, you’ve already achieved something incredible by getting to the start line.
Thousands of people dream about doing what you’re about to do.
Please take photos, even if it’s just a start and finish line selfie. Soak up the atmosphere. Thank the volunteers. High-five kids. Read the funny spectator signs. Smile when you cross the finish line.
Your race, first marathon or half marathon only happens once.
You’ll remember the feeling far longer than you’ll remember whether your finish time was minutes faster or slower.
So take a deep breath, trust yourself and enjoy every step.
You’ve earned your place on that start line.
Now go and make yourself proud.
Michelle xx
I love reading about your adventures, seeing your photos and learning your stories, please don’t stop sharing them. Share them on the private group on facebook or remember to tag @runningmumsaustralia on Instagram so I can also share your stories to the wider RMA community.
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