“It was the night before the Dublin Marathon, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except you, frantically triple-checking your race gear like a parent packing for a holiday with toddlers.”
By now, you’ve probably dreamt about the marathon more times than you’ve actually trained for it. And, if you’re anything like me, those dreams were less about personal glory and more about turning up at the start line wearing flip-flops, or worse, forgetting how to run entirely. So, take a deep breath. We’re going to sort out that all-important pre-marathon routine and make sure your race day goes smoother than a politician dodging accountability.
The night before and the morning of race day can make or break your marathon experience, not to pile on the pressure or anything. But don’t worry, because with a bit of planning, you’ll be cruising to the start line like it’s just another (26.2 mile) jog in the park. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to sleep, eat, and prep your way to race-day glory.
Sleep Strategies Leading Up to the Marathon
Ah, sleep! Nature’s way of preparing us for not being able to sleep the night before a big race. It’s no secret that getting a solid night’s rest before the marathon is crucial, but here’s the thing: it’s not all about the night before. Nope, that’s when you’ll be lying awake, counting gels instead of sheep and wondering if your timing chip works.
We’ve all been there, the tossing and turning, the anxiety-induced late-night Googling of “how to sleep before a marathon”(Yes I’ve actually done it!). The truth is, the real magic happens in the days leading up to the race. If you can bank a few nights of quality sleep, say, a solid 7 to 9 hours in the week before the marathon then you’ll be just fine, even if you end up sleeping like a squirrel on espresso the night before.
- Two nights before is key: Aim to get your best sleep two nights before the race. That’s Friday night for the race day on Sunday. This gives your body time to recover from any pre-race nerves that might hit hard the night before. That’s your golden slumber. Friday night should be so restful you wake up thinking you’ve been in a coma.
- Pre-bed relaxation routine: Now is not the time to start a new boxset or engage in deep existential discussions about the meaning of life (tempting as it may be at 2 a.m.). Stick to something relaxing like stretching, reading, or, if you’re feeling fancy, some light meditation. Deep thoughts are overrated unless your name is Socrates, and let’s face it, he wasn’t much of a runner.
The Ideal Pre-Race Breakfast and Hydration
The morning of the race is no time for culinary experimentation. This isn’t your chance to try out the trendy chia-seed-avocado-tofu-superfood thing your work colleague been raving about. Stick with what you know works for your stomach, because let’s be honest, a “dodgy belly” mid-marathon is a nightmare we’d all rather avoid.
- Three hours before the race: Aim to eat your breakfast two to three hours before the race kicks off. You want something carb-heavy but easy on the digestive system. Think porridge with honey, a bagel with peanut butter, or if you’re really feeling continental, a banana with toast. Just make sure it’s something you’ve tried before a long run. Now’s not the time for surprises. This isn’t brunch, it’s battle prep. You’re a runner, not a food critic.
- Hydration strategies: You want to be hydrated, but you don’t want to spend the first half of the marathon visiting every portaloo along the route. Start sipping on water when you wake up, and stop drinking about an hour before the race. If you’ve got a hydration drink you trust, go for it, but again stick to what’s worked in training.
One last note: for the love of god don’t try to make up for a week of poor hydration by downing two litres the night before, unless you like frequent bathroom trips at 2 a.m.
What Time to Arrive, How to Prepare Mentally, and Gear Checklists
Here we go—the logistics. When it comes to arriving at the race, the early bird catches the worm (or in this case, the start line without a side of panic). Plan to arrive at least an hour before the race begins. This gives you time to soak in the atmosphere, hit the loo without the queues of doom, and mentally prepare yourself for what lies ahead. And trust me, nobody looks cool sprinting to the start line with their race bib flapping like a distressed seagull.
- Lay out your kit the night before: Like you did when you were 12, only this time it’s not for school, it’s for the biggest run of your life. Shoes, socks, shorts, top, watch, gels, safety pins- everything. Trust me, you don’t want to be frantically searching for your left shoe while you should be on your way to the start line.
Here’s your foolproof checklist:
- Running shoes (the well-worn pair that know every inch of your feet, not the shiny new ones)
- Socks (no blisters, please!)
- Shorts/leggings (weather-appropriate, because Dublin in October can be… unpredictable)
- Race-day top (with your number pinned on, nice and neat, like the pro you are)
- Hat, gloves, arm warmers (if it’s chilly)
- Watch (because if it’s not on Strava, did it even happen?)
- Gels/chews (the ones you’ve practised with, not the mystery gel that “looked interesting” at the expo)
- Plasters for any… um, sensitive areas. Let’s not sugar-coat it: chafing happens, and it’s best avoided.
- Visualise success: While you’re waiting for the start, take a few minutes to visualise yourself crossing that finish line with a smug grin, feeling fresher than a daisy that’s just had a spa day. Yes, it might sound a bit woo-woo, but visualisation has been proven to reduce stress and boost performance. Picture it: You, gliding effortlessly through Dublin’s streets and the Phoenix Park like a gazelle (a slightly sweaty gazelle, but still).. You’ve trained for this moment, now it’s time to trust your legs and your plan.
Logistics for Dublin on Race Day
Dublin’s race-day logistics are pretty straightforward, but it’s always good to be prepared. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Transport: Make sure you’ve sorted your transport well in advance. Whether you’re getting the Luas, hopping in a taxi, or walking to the start, plan ahead. The last thing you want is a panicked sprint to the start line because you didn’t factor in traffic. (And no, that last-minute sprint does not count as your warm-up.)
- Hydration stations: Familiarise yourself with where the water and gel stations are along the route. Dublin Marathon is well organised, with plenty of hydration points, but it’s good to know where they are so you don’t end up looking like you’ve been lost in the Sahara by mile 18.
- The start area: The Dublin Marathon start is divided into different waves based on your predicted finish time. Find your wave, stay calm, and remember: your race starts when you cross the start line, not when the gun goes off. There’s no need to elbow your way to the front like it’s the bar in a nightclub during last orders. Stay cool and stick to your plan.
Final Mental Preparation
Race day is more than just a physical challenge, it’s a mental one. So, if you’re feeling nervous, just remember, you’re not alone. Everyone at that start line is either bricking it or pretending not to be.. The key is to keep those nerves in check, turning them into positive energy rather than letting them spiral into self-doubt.
- Last-minute mantra: Choose a mantra for yourself—something simple like “I’ve got this” or “Strong and steady”. Repeat it to yourself in the final moments before the race starts. Repeat it to yourself like your sanity depends on it. Trust me, when things get tough, this will be your lifeline.
- Deep breaths: We’ve talked about this before, but it’s worth repeating: take a few slow, deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, and remind yourself that you’ve trained for this. You’ve done the miles, you’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to enjoy the reward. It’s just one foot in front of the other… for 26.2 miles. Easy, right?
Conclusion
The night before and morning of the marathon can feel like the ultimate test of your patience, nerves, and ability to locate your race socks. But with a solid plan in place, you’ll be gliding into the Dublin Marathon start line like a seasoned pro.
Get your sleep in the days leading up to the race, fuel yourself with the right breakfast, and double-check your gear. Keep calm, stay focused, and remind yourself: you’re ready. When race day comes, all that’s left to do is run. And for the love of all that’s holy, hit the loo before the race starts.
And after the race? Don’t forget to reward yourself with a well-earned pint of Guinness. After all, if running 26.2 miles doesn’t entitle you to drink a glass of something that weighs about the same as a small child, then what does?
And with that, you’re officially marathon-ready! Time to run. And then drink. Preferably in that order.