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This advice is so simple, it is easy to miss.
* Perform [[Race Simulation]] as part of your training.
* Train in the shoes you will race in. Don't race in new shoes.
* Practice [[Practical Hydration|drinking ]] like you will in a race. If you are getting paper cups that you are going to drink on the run, practice on a long run. It is tough to drink and run!
* If you are intending to eat on the race, this requires practice at race pace. Even getting a gel out of a pocket and open at race pace can be difficult. With gels, practice if you are going to take with fluid, swallow fast, or take a bit at a time while mixing with saliva (my approach).
* For races that are in the [[Running in the Dark|dark]], practice [[Running Lights|running with a light]].
* If you will be running overnight, practice running overnight.
* Use your long runs to perfect your pre-race routine. You need to know how you body will react to different types of breakfast or fluids.
* Include the night before in your long run in your training. What you eat the night before can have a big impact on your run the following morning. The general advice is to eat pasta or similar, but I find that a high fat meal the night before is far better for me. Try different meals in training, not racing.
* Terrain - train for [[Downhill Running|hilly races ]] on hilly courses. Train for [[Running Trails|trail runs ]] on trails.* Altitude requires [[Altitude Training]]
Some things are hard to practice
* Hanging around before the race starts in the cold. Think about what to wear to keep warm at the start that you can discard.
* Spring races where it may be [[Running in the Heat|warmer ]] than your training. Overdressing to build heat adaptation can help a littleDo some [[Heat Acclimation Training]].* Altitude can be replicated via technology, but it is very expensive. Trying to get to the race location a few days early can help, but is often impractical* [[Practical Tapering|Tapering ]] is one of the hardest things to practice. Your only choice is to learn from each race.* Don't be stupid. Sadly, this is often only apparent in hindsight. Make a note of your mistakes in your pre-race checklist[[Race Checklist]], so hopefully you don't make them twice.