As much as this course-specific training is physical, it is mental as well. If you know you have completed training on terrain similar to the race course, you can go into race day with a lot more confidence.
#5) Acclimate to predicted race temperatures.
Do some of your training sessions in temperatures similar to those predicted for race day. If it's cool where you live and race day is predicted to be hot, do some of your training sessions while wearing extra clothes to stimulate your sweat glands.
Though race day may be hot, do not do all of your key training sessions in the heat of the day. Heat and humidity slow you down in training. Move some of your key training sessions to early morning or inside on very hot days so you can keep speed and power high.
More: Acclimating to Heat and Humidity
#6) Plan on trouble.
Though you've done your homework, and you expect certain temperatures and conditions on race day, what if Mother Nature deals you a joker?
Have a back-up plan and use that joker to your advantage.
Write down a list of all things that worry you about race day. Take the list of worries and begin creating solutions for each issue. Back-up plans and having multiple solutions to your worries is empowering.
Back-up plans may involve equipment such as a long-sleeve shirt for a potentially cool, late-night Ironman finish; but more often back-up plans are mental. If the wind kicks up, decide now how you will react on race day. What kind of self-talk do you plan to bring with you to help yourself have a successful race? The wind blows on everyone, how will you embrace it?
More: 7 Ways to Avoid Mental Self-Destruction
Any weather or equipment conditions dealt out on race day need to be handled in the most positive way possible. If other racers are panicked and in a frenzy, it's to your advantage to stay cool, calm and collected. Avoid people that want to stir up needless stress and trouble.
Additionally, know that some athletes enjoy getting involved in "hand-wringing parties" in the few weeks before race day. Avoid getting sucked into message boards that question your training methods, equipment and nutrition practices. Don't start second guessing yourself before the race even starts.
By doing some homework, applying course-specific knowledge to training sessions and scheming up solutions to potential problems you can set yourself up for a successful race.
Read Next: 10 Essential Techniques for Unleashing a Race-Day Best
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