What areas should be focused on during the week leading up to a race?

In the week leading up to a race, the primary focus should be on rest, nutrition, supplies, and travel plans. This critical time is often referred to as the tapering period, where runners reduce their mileage and intensity to allow their bodies to recover and be in peak condition for race day.

Rest is essential to ensure that the body has fully recovered from the training block and is ready to perform optimally. Nutrition plays a vital role as well, as athletes should emphasize a balanced diet that includes an appropriate amount of carbohydrates to fuel their bodies, along with hydration to prevent dehydration. This is the time to finalize any supplies needed for race day, such as gear, race nutrition (gels, bars), and other essentials like bib numbers and shoes.

Additionally, organizing travel plans is crucial to ensure that athletes arrive at the race venue on time and without unnecessary stress, which can affect performance. This week should be about setting everything in place to minimize any last-minute chaos, allowing the athlete to remain focused and prepared mentally for their race.

In contrast, focusing on training intensity and mental strategy may lead to fatigue or increased anxiety, which is counterproductive during this crucial tapering period. Marketing and sponsorship opportunities, while important in the longer