Laying out your #FlatSparkle prior to a race (or even a training run) can help calm some of the pre-run jitters by helping to make sure you have everything you need when the starting gun goes off. Today Jazmin, aka @sherojaz92 on Instagram, is here to share with us some of her race day essentials –
@sherojaz92’s Race Day Running Essentials
If you’re a costume runner like me, the things you use on race day may constantly change. But even then, there are always a few things that are essential. It takes time to figure exactly what you need and these needs will change over time. Here are the things I currently make sure I always need for race day!
First things first, I always wear a Sparkle Athletic skirt. No ifs, ands, or buts. They have every color so you can be every and any character! Of course, I recommend choosing a character/theme first and then the skirt. These skirts look good with shorts, capris, or tights, so you can wear them all year long. I’ve had people ask me if the skirts are comfortable and yes, they are! They aren’t heavy at all and aren’t tight at the waist either. Plus, you get to sparkle throughout your whole race!
A lot of people tell me they don’t like carrying water while they run. I am the complete opposite. I have this irrational fear of getting thirsty during a race and not having a water station anywhere near. Plus, it makes me feel more prepared. Currently, I carry this Nathan handheld water bottle. It is amazing! It fits perfectly into your hand so it doesn’t bother you. Sometimes I forget I’m even carrying it. Plus, it has a zippered pocket for me to put my Humagel or Probar Chews in!
Shoes are important. Make sure to have shoes that you have run in and you know are comfortable for you feet. Even better, go to a running store and get fitted! I have gone through several running shoes and injuries. If I had to choose, the best shoes I’ve had have come from Asics and Skechers. Another reason shoes are important is that they (hopefully) match your costume! I try to have at least one pair of grey or black shoes because they go with everything. If you want to give them some pizzazz, add some shwings or light-up shoelaces!
Let’s talk sports bras. This is a very important race essential that many people ignore. Please get a sports bra that is comfortable and doesn’t make you chafe on long runs! My favorite is the “High Support Racerback Sports Bra” by Champion, easily found at Target. It’s affordable and cute. This bra is the only one that I feel works best for long-distances, so I make sure it’s always clean for race day!
I do a lot of runDisney races. So, I make sure I always have my armband and phone with me so I can take as many pictures as I want. I don’t suggest just carrying your phone in your hand because there is a high risk of dropping it ( I speak from experience). Another reason I have my armband and phone with me is because sometimes you just lose motivation. That’s where music comes in. My phone always has a running playlist on it, so I’m ready for those difficult races.
A big thanks to Jazmin for sharing some of her race day essentials with #teamsparkle.
As we all know, race day can be a stressful time. One way to relieve some of the pressure is by making sure you have everything you may need when the starting gun goes off. Whether you are traveling across the country for a racecation or down the street for a local race, having a list and checking it twice to make sure you have all of your necessities can be the difference between a successful race and a stressful race.
Everyone is different when it comes to what they need or desire on race day, which is why we thought asking the amazing #teamsparkle community about their race day essentials could be a great resource for us all. Maybe it will serve as a reminder of something you forgot to pack or tip you off to a new product you’d like to try.
If you’d like to be featured on an upcoming Sparkle Athletic “Race Day Essentials“ post, please email us at raceday@sparkleathletic.com.