7 Things to Have Handy the Morning of the AJC Peachtree Road Race
Guest Blog By: Cristian Delgado, Mizuno USA Intern
You’re up earlier than your dog, your stomach churns with excitement and you’re on your way to the big Peach — it’s race day! Today, more than ever, you need to be ready to rock without the distractions that may come from not having your gear prepared ahead of time.
Here are the essentials you’ll need to have ready in advance before the morning of the AJC Peachtree Road Race on July Fourth.
1. A Great Outfit
If you look good, you’ll feel good. Give yourself a confidence boost for the Peachtree by picking out your favorite running outfit the day before the race. Make sure you have every part of your outfit in an easy to find spot so you can easily get dressed the next morning and avoid pre-race stress.
If you don’t already have a go-to outfit, you still have time to break one in before the race. Mizuno offers some of the lightest apparel available that will help you power through the hot July race. Find the outfit that will help you conquer the race here.
2. Your Bib
Hopefully you’re reading this early, because you might not be having the race of your life at all if you don’t have your bib on race day morning. Bibs will be available for pick up at the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo on the two days leading up to the race, unless you’re having yours mailed to you.
Given that you knew that part already, make sure you set aside your bib the day before to get up and go on race day morning. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to find your bib (or your wallet and keys) the morning of the race.
3. Hydration
Poor hydration can severely hurt your performance or worse. It is imperative that you are ready to push yourself to the limit without dehydration holding you back.
Don’t do all of your hydrating the day of the race, though! Make sure you’re drinking enough water leading up to the day of the race and consume about 16 oz. of fluids a couple of hours before the race.
4. Watch/ Fitness Tracking Device
If you’re planning on performing your best during the race, you’ll probably want a watch or some kind of fitness tracker that will let you know exactly how you’re doing throughout the race. It can be off-putting to run aimlessly without a sense of your performance, so make sure you have a device handy to help you push through to beat that personal record.
5. Other Essential Accessories
Not all runners like to run with a hat or a sweatband, but make sure you have all of your favorite gear laid out and ready for action if you’re into getting decked out in running accessories for a big race. Some suggestions include:
- Drylite socks
- Elite Run Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sweatband/towel
- Headphones
- Sunscreen
- Gum
- Lip balm
6. Patriotic gear
This is the AJC Peachtree Road Race on July Fourth, after all. On race day, you’ll see racers flaunting the American flag in fun, creative ways. Whether you decide to wear patriotic apparel, body painting or an elaborate Uncle Sam costume, don’t get to the race and regret not participating in the fun. Check out local specialty run stores around the Atlanta area for some of these fun Peachtree shirts!
7. A Winning Attitude
It’s the Fourth of July and you’re spending it with your favorite 60,000 comrades doing what you love — most, running! Get mentally prepared to make memories, make friendships and dominate that 10k run!
Cristian is a native of Gainesville, Ga. where he attended Johnson High School and played tennis competitively for his school’s varsity team. Cristian loves spending his spare time running, playing tennis and joining in pick-up basketball with friends. He recently graduated from the University of Georgia Magna Cum Laude, where his fondest memories were made playing in the Redcoat Marching Band. Cristian loves working in the sports industry and plans to continue to do so with his shiny new bachelor’s degree in public relations.