How To Be Race-Ready When Traveling For Away Meets

It’s always exciting for runners to compete in their hometown and home state, showcasing their talent and bringing home local titles. But traveling to big meets is often even more exciting. The fresh scenery, big stages, and large crowds of out-of-state, championship, and elite meets are electrifying.  

However, this also means more eyes on the athlete, adding to the pressure, combined with the high level of competition. This alone is enough to bring on the nerves and distractions. Then add in the logistics of traveling which takes time and brings changes to your normal routine.

Here are some helpful tips on how to be race-ready after traveling to top-tier track and field meets.

1. Keep A Routine, But Be Flexible

Every runner has pre-race rituals. But traveling can complicate things. Stay calm and keep your routine as close to normal as possible. That means eating the same breakfast you would at a home meet, wearing the usual gear, and following your usual warm-up and cooldown routines.

Avoid trying anything new just because you’re at an away race. With that said, stay calm and be flexible. It may mean waking up earlier to travel across states or not being in your bed the night before. Remember that while these elite meets are the real deal, you already put in the training so enjoy the moment.

2. Let Go Of Race-Day Nerves

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a big meet—but don’t let the nerves take over. Channel this into excitement at the starting line. Many runners who have competed at championship meets reported that talking with others at the starting line is a great way to let go of those nerves, be present at the moment, and share a good laugh before competing.

Focus on breathing to remain calm moments before the gun goes off. Deep belly breaths can help slow your heart rate and settle your mind. You can also use visualization: picture yourself starting strong and finishing proud.

3. Prepare for the Uncontrollable, Think About What You Can Control

Championship meets are often in unfamiliar places—different weather, new courses, and sometimes noisy crowds. Try to visit the venue ahead of time if you can. Walk it, jog it, or just get a feel for the layout so you know what to expect once there including where the bathrooms are. Pack for the weather and bring layers if needed—conditions can change fast, especially when traveling out of state. Summer championships often mean rain so having a dry change of clothes is a great idea.

There are lots of things athletes can’t control at a big meet. It might start raining, races can be delayed, or there are last-minute changes to the schedule. Focus on what you can control. This includes attitude, effort, and how you respond to challenges.

4. Get Enough Sleep

One of the best ways to prepare for a big meet is to get enough sleep the night before. This can be hard when sleeping in a hotel or when sharing a room with teammates. Try to get solid rest for a few nights leading up to the meet. Bring a sleep mask, earplugs, or a white noise app to help block out distractions.

5. Be Social And Be Proud

Big meets are a chance to celebrate all the work you’ve done. It’s a great idea to talk to teammates or friends who competed at championships or invitational meets in the past. These athletes are great resources to find out what to expect.

Once at the meet, be proud of getting there no matter what the outcome performance is. Soak in the moment and cheer on your teammates. Whether you set a personal best or just run your hardest, you’re building experience that will help shape you into a stronger runner for future races.