Tomorrow's the big day! After weeks of preparation, countless miles of training, and endless dreams of finish-line tacos, we're just hours away from the Colorado River Run and Taco Trot. Let's make sure you're ready to toe that starting line with confidence.
Take a Deep Breath
First, pause for a moment. How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Ready to run for those tacos?
Whatever you're feeling right now is perfectly normal. Pre-race butterflies aren't just common—they're a sign that you care about what you're about to accomplish. Those nervous jitters? They're just your inner runner getting ready to shine.
Your Final Pre-Race Checklist
Let's make sure you've got everything ready for tomorrow's sweet victory. Consider this your recipe for race day success:
The Essential Kit
Trusty trail running shoes
Favorite running socks
Weather-appropriate running clothes
Hat or sunglasses
Anti-chafe protection
Weather gear (check that forecast!)
Fuel Station Prep
Pre-race meal ingredients ready
Water bottle
Race fuel (if you use it)
Pre-race snack
Post-race recovery fuel (besides the tacos!)
Logistics Game Plan
Transportation plan locked in
Parking info saved
Arrival time set (aim for 60+ minutes pre-race)
Multiple alarms set
Meeting point coordinated with friends/family
Recovery Kit
Change of clothes
Small towel
Post-race sandals/comfy shoes
Any medications you might need
Your favorite celebration gear
Last-Minute Golden Rules
The "Nothing New" Rule
Stick to familiar foods
Wear tested gear
Follow your usual routine
Trust what's worked in training
The Night-Before Protocol
Lay out everything you need
Double-check your checklist
Set multiple alarms
Plan for proper sleep
Prepare breakfast items
The Morning Game Plan
Wake up early enough to eat 2-3 hours before
Stay calm and focused
Follow your normal routine
Arrive with plenty of time to spare
Your Race Strategy Refresher
Remember your race day recipe for success:
The First Mile
Start slower than you think you should
Let the adrenaline settle
Find your rhythm
Establish your breathing
The Middle Mile
Lock into your pace
Use your power phrases
Stay mentally strong
Focus on form
The Final Push
Trust your training
Pick up the pace if you feel strong
Count down the markers
Give it everything you've got
Sprint for those tacos!
When Things Don't Go As Planned
Even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. If something unexpected happens:
Stay calm—take a deep breath
Focus on solutions, not problems
Be flexible with your goals
Keep moving forward
Remember why you started
A Final Word of Motivation
Tomorrow, when you stand at that starting line, remember this:
You are stronger than you think. You are more prepared than you know. You are a runner.
Every step you take tomorrow is a celebration of your journey. Every mile you conquer is a testament to your determination. And every taco you earn at the finish line is a sweet reminder of what you can achieve when you set your mind to something.
This isn't just another training run. This is your victory lap. This is your chance to show yourself what you're capable of. This is your moment to shine.
Run with your heart. Run with your mind. Run with the spirit of every early morning alarm, every training session, and every moment of perseverance that has brought you to this point.
Remember: You're not just running to the tacos; you're running to your best self. The tacos are just a delicious bonus.
One Last Thing
As we wrap up know this: Whether this is your first race or your fiftieth, you're part of something special. You're part of a community of runners, walkers, ruckers and hikers who support and inspire each other.
Tomorrow, when you cross that finish line, you'll be proving that with dedication, preparation, and a little bit of taco motivation, you can accomplish amazing things.
So lace up those shoes, pin on that bib, and get ready to run the race of your life.
The tacos are waiting. Your moment of triumph is waiting.
You're ready.
See you at the starting line!
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