The Final Preparations

It’s time to get serious: the final week before The Beast on the Bay has arrived!! Wow, time really flies when you’re having fun...or something like that, right?! In all honesty, I hope you have enjoyed your training, because while The Beast is challenging, it benefits a great cause and is meant to be fun! I have no doubt you are ready to crush this race, but here’s what you should do the week of to prepare and amp up for the big day!

#1 Map It Out:

To ease some of your race day anxiety, make yourself familiar with the course by walking or driving the route. The walking will get the excess energy out and the familiarity with the route will help to mentally prepare you for race day. Seeing what you’re up against will decrease the fear of the unknown. For some idea, last year’s obstacle can be found here: http://www.barberbeast.org/10-mile-course-overview.

#2 Don’t Pig Out:

Yes, The Beast on the Bay is a long, intense course, but eating heavily throughout the week leading up to the event can lead to some major performance-inhibiting discomfort. Same goes for the day of. Eat a breakfast you are familiar with eating prior to exercise -- something low in fiber and light in the stomach. Something like a smoothie with fruit and yogurt: high in protein and easy on the digestive system. Make sure you wake up early enough to have this meal -- about two hours prior to your start time. The same can be applied to water: don't overdo it; while being hydrated is important, make your last sip no later than 30 minutes before the race begins.

#3 Week of Training:

The week of the race take it easy(ish). Your last strength workout should be the Monday of The Beast. Tuesday and Wednesdays sweat sessions should be limited to a 2-3 mile easy pace run. Thursday, go for a long and calming walk (maybe around the Peninsula) to clear your head. Friday should be rest and stretch day practice some gentle yoga or walk limited to 30 minutes.

#4 The Night Before:

The night before The Beast, prepare and set out all your necessary materials. Gather the outfit you plan to wear; shirt, pants/shorts, socks, shoes, good luck charms, and set them in one central location. Add your race day bib to the shirt you will be wearing. Prepare your breakfast ahead of time and set several alarms. Nothing is worse than being in a rush on the day of an event!

#5 The Big Day:

Arrive at least 45 mins before your scheduled start time to allow time for parking and bussing. About 1700 people participated in The Beast on the Bay last year, so be prepared to park with that many people this year. When you arrive to The Beast on the Bay, you will be bused to the start location so arriving early insures you will not miss your start time! Also, arriving early allows you the times to soak up all the awesome and exciting feelings coming from your teammates, volunteers, and fellow participants!! And maybe you’ll get to meet The Beast!

The most important part of this all is to remember to enjoy your time at The Beast on the Bay, you’ve worked so hard, and deserve all the rewards of enjoying yourself. Relax, decompress, and don't worry you’re on your way to defeating The Beast!