31st October 2017.There's no question about it: The Iron Man triathlon is one of the toughest sporting events in the whole world. It takes the mindset of the marathon runner to an extreme, and it is all about pushing your body to its absolute limits across all three events. To prepare, it takes months of structured training and a laser-like focus on the end goal: just making it across the finish line at the end of the day. Now, the time is almost here ? you can practically hear the starting gun when you look at the calendar and see that your race day is on the horizon. Perhaps you've even already started your training taper, winding down to be in peak condition. All that training helps to prepare your body for many of the challenges it will face during the race, but how should you approach the actual event? You don't want just to show up and start going at 100% effort with no game plan. That's a recipe for disaster, and it could spoil your months of hard work if you have to tap out early. With that in mind, it's essential to develop a good sense of what you should do to make the most of your race day. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep you comfortable and focused.
Start the day off easy but be sure to prepare
It's normal to feel nervous the night before race day, but make sure that you keep to an early bedtime and get plenty of rest. You're going to need it tomorrow! Wake up early so you have time to prepare and get yourself into the mental headspace that will set the stage for success. Take a shower that is warm but not too hot and enjoy the chance to relax. Eat a healthy but very light breakfast. Veteran Iron Man participants often go with a meal of about 400 calories in the morning. Remember, you'll refuel during your bike ride, and you don't want to try to start the swim on an empty stomach. Try some stretches to limber up before you head out the door. Once you've prepared