Race Weekend Plan Can Eliminate Anxiety

DENVER (CBS4) - When a runner has spent months training for a race, race weekend can create the jitters.

Two-time Olympic long-distance runner Alan Culpepper recommends having a plan for the whole weekend.

"You need a plan for Saturday, for getting to the Expo, for your meals, and your hydration," Culpepper said.

Culpepper recommends you hydrate very well the last few days.

"Take in some extra electrolytes via a watered-down sports drink or an electrolyte product that you can add to water," Culpepper explained.

He also suggests making a plan for race morning that includes thinking through parking, car pool arrangements, and leaving extra time. Then have a plan for the race itself which includes your pacing.

"Don't let your emotions get the best of you and run too quickly early, better to err on the side of caution the first few miles," Culpepper said.

The Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2 is Sunday, October 19th at 7:15 a.m. at Civic Center Park.

MORE ON CBSDENVER.COM: Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2 Section

--Written for CBSDenver.com by Special Projects Producer Libby Smith