Racing tips

Race bib, timing chip, sunscreen...worried you'll forget something on race day? Consult this checklist the night before to make sure you're all set.

Key tips to earning that elusive BQ.

Why marathon pacing is so hard, and how can you improve your ability to pace optimally and not to hit the wall hard during the 26.2-mile challenge.

American marathon record holder Deena Kastor offers tips on marathon recovery and getting through the difficult moments in a tricky race.

Life takes over. You get injured, sick, or sidetracked and training isn't going as planned. You can still salvage your next race.

She is the second-fastest U.S. woman to ever run the marathon, but she's still learning how to train for—and race—26.2 miles.

Runners have a “never surrender” attitude, but sometimes it’s best to save yourself (and your body) for another day.

Check out Susan Lacke's author page.

Check out Lauren Bedosky's author page.

Check out Hannah Hartzell's author page.

It's important for injury prevention to put pre-race warm-up drills to work—especially in the wintertime.

Women’s Running visited Deena Kastor, Alexi Pappas and Sarah Attar at their training center in Mammoth, Calif., to discuss how training impacts every aspect of their lives.

Do you spend too much time in the portapotty on race day? Here are solutions to your race-day “issues.”

Coach Hillary Kigar advises on the best timeline runners should use when returning to running after a race.

Coach Hillary Kigar offers tips for runners interested in challenging themselves during their next race.

A board-certified sports nutritionist offers her fueling tips for runners preparing to race distances from 5Ks to full marathons.

Coach Hillary Kigar explains how runners can use the power of the mind to help them on race day.

Coach Hillary Kigar has tips for runners on how to stay warm after checking their gear bags on race mornings.

Prepare your body the morning before a big race in the best way possible with help from these warm-up tips.

So many runners apply to participate in major races every year, but only small percentages are accepted. Why is that?

We consider several of the reasons our fellow runners offer for lining up in the wrong corral on race day.

From gear mishaps to nutrition miscues, we’ve all had something go wrong on race day. Five runners share their biggest race-day mistake.

Longtime race director for the Boston Marathon Dave McGillivray shares his tips for runners preparing to tackle the 122nd Boston Marathon.

Many runners worry about steep inclines, but downhill running can be even worse for your body when it comes to injuries.

Many experience-driven athletes are drawn to adventure racing, a sport that tests participants' physical and mental toughness.

Doing so introduces an element of doubt in your own performance that'll be hard to shake for the remainder of the race.

Most race participants behave beautifully–but there are unfortunately a few in the pack that are less considerate of their fellow runners.

Run coaches explain the ways in which racing regularly can aid your overall running performance.

A student athlete and indoor track competitor sheds light on the somewhat elusive sport.

Before you lace up for your next big race, confirm these three race day details to prepare your mind and body for the run ahead.

Coach Hillary Kigar offers tips to an athlete who's preparing to run her first trail race.

Those pre-race jitters? We're all too familiar. Here are six tips that'll help you deal with that pre-race anxiety.

Get the best race discounts with these tips for tracking down entrance fee and lodging deals.

Freeletics asked its 15 million users what they wished they knew before they took on the marathon—and now you can learn from their mistakes.

Our etiquette expert shares how to navigate a race expo and politely say 'no' if you don't plan on leaving with extra gear.

Don't give yourself an easy 'out' for reaching your goals—instead, see why many coaches recommend working toward one thing.

A trip to Cuba for a triathlon and to see her father's birthplace turned into a reminder that you can't plan for everything.

So you signed up and have started training for your first obstacle race? Here is everything you need to know as race day approaches.

Here's everything you need to consider when deciding on a big or small race—including registration, day-of logistics and even bling.

Successful running coach Pat Henner shares the performance/arousal curve and some essential tips to control your mental game.

As you start looking toward 2017, here are a few things to keep in mind as you build your race calendar (including some key races to try).

A new study shows that the weight of your shoes can make a difference on race day. Here's what the University of Colorado found.

Take a few thousand steps through the five boroughs with our insider’s course tour of New York City's marquee running event.

After running the New York City Marathon last year, one runner shares pieces of advice she wishes people had told her before the start line.

Follow these five do’s and don’ts of marathon fueling that we have rounded up to help your next marathon be your absolute best.

Kylee Schuler has run more than 500 races and shares her top tips and gear to become comfortable running off the beaten path.

They literally cover every single detail.

Do you get more from running a small local race or a big city race?

After all of the time you spent training, it is important to make sure race day goes smoothly.

Have a blast at your next race with these fun-filled events!

Keep calm and race on!

If you prefer the run/walk method, you can still race!

A joy of racing is having the people you love cheer you on. But is there a limit to how many times you ask them to come spectate?

Pacing is one of those tricky elements of racing that you have to play with and individualize.

We chatted with one run/walker to find out what her favorite races in the country are.

You told your friend you'd race with her, but want to run faster than she's ready to go. What do you do?

Races can get crowded—especially at the start line. What do you do if someone does a little push or jab?

You and a friend sign up for a race together—her idea—and you finish before her. How do you handle the awkward situation?

If you thought it would be too hard, think again.

Jeannie Rutherford never expected to win Red Bull's Wings for Life--but she credits her success with these stay-fit tricks for moms.

When it is okay to talk on the run and when you should give your buddy some peace and quiet.

Never have sweaty, torn dollar bills on the run again.

Never show up to the starting line unprepared again with this race day packing list.

Joan Benoit Samuelson and Abbott's medical director share their tried-and-true mental tips for runners.

Who does the fastest female in the country think will make the Olympic team tomorrow?

What you shouldn't be doing? Running.

There is much more to a race than hitting that PR.

There's a right and wrong way to do two runs in one day.

Here is how our readers calm their nerves at the start line.

You've trained for months and then get sick right before your race. Should you still run?

We learn a lot from every race we run—especially the first.

See how one of the best ultramarathoners fuels up while running for hours on the trail.

Bad races happen to the best of us. Learn how to move on and recover.

Two pacers share what it is like on race day to lead runners to their goal.

This new father-runner gives his top tips for learning to run with a stroller.

From wet, slippery mud to slick ice—here's what you need to know to stay injury-free on trails.

How should you handle things that need to be disposed during a trail race?

If you do anything on race day, don't let it be these things.

This woman has completed 100 marathons—and is sharing what she's learned.