13 Things Not to Do Before Your First Race (So You Actually Enjoy It)
Meta description: First race coming up? Avoid the classic mistakes: new shoes, over-eating, bad pacing, and last-minute stress.
Your first race should feel exciting — not chaotic. Most first-timer problems come from a few very predictable mistakes. Here’s what not to do in the week (and morning) leading into your first start line.
1) Don’t try something “new” on race week
Race week is not the time for new:
- running shoes
- socks
- gels
- pre-workout supplements
- “healthy” high-fibre meals
If your body hasn’t practised it, race day is the worst day to experiment.
2) Don’t do a massive workout “to feel ready”
- A hard session late in the week won’t make you fitter in time — it’ll just make you tired. Keep movement light and familiar.
3) Don’t overthink your clothing
- Wear whatever you’ve already run comfortably in. If you’re debating it on race morning, it’s probably a no.
4) Don’t arrive late
- Nothing spikes nerves like sprinting through registration, queues, toilets, and the start area. Aim to arrive early enough that you can:
- find your bearings
- use the toilet (more than once…)
- warm up calmly
5) Don’t start at the very front (unless you should be there)
- It feels tempting. It’s also how people get dragged into running way too fast in the first minute. Start where your pace matches the group.
6) Don’t go out too hard
- Most first races are ruined in the first 5 minutes. The best cue:
Start at a pace you could hold for the whole race, then build if you feel good.
7) Don’t skip the warm-up entirely
- Even a simple 5–10 minute brisk walk + gentle jog + a few leg swings makes the first kilometre feel much easier.
8) Don’t eat a huge breakfast right before the start
- If your race is in the morning, eat something simple well before you toe the line. If you’re prone to nerves, smaller is often better.
9) Don’t drink loads of water at the last minute
- Hydrate steadily the day before and morning of. Chugging right before the start usually just means a toilet emergency.
10) Don’t ignore your laces and socks
- Blisters are a very preventable way to suffer. Check:
- socks aren’t bunched
- shoes aren’t too tight
- laces are secure (double-knot)
11) Don’t set a time goal that makes you panic
- Your first race goal should be something like:
- “finish feeling proud”
- “run the first half steady”
- “enjoy the atmosphere”
- A time goal is fine, but not if it turns the day into stress.
12) Don’t forget your post-race layer
- You cool down fast after a finish. Bring something warm and dry for afterwards.
13) Don’t leave without soaking it in
- Get the photo. Cheer others in. Enjoy the buzz. Your first race is a milestone.
