Race week, handled
The fitness is already built. Race week is about not wasting it.
Re-read this race morning
Your CIM cheat sheet
Five things to have locked in before you board the bus to Folsom.
Slow down
The first 0.9 miles roll downhill. Stare at your watch and sit on goal pace or slower.
Respect the rollers
You can't win the race here, only lose it. Effort, not pace, on every climb.
Push the pace
Past the rollers and onto the gentle descent. If you have it, this is where to use it.
Last hurrah
The biggest late crowd. Let it carry you, but don't overspend. It gets lonely after 21.
Just get to the bridge
The J Street Bridge is the last climb. After it, it's flat and fast to the Capitol.
The week
Monday–Wednesday
Short, easy runs with a few strides. One brief touch of marathon pace midweek to remind your legs. Prioritize sleep — the nights before Saturday matter most.
Thursday
Start leaning your meals toward carbohydrates. Lay out race kit and check the forecast for Folsom at 7 AM, not Sacramento at noon.
Friday–Saturday
Pick up your bib at the expo (check runcim.org for hours). Keep expo time short — time on your feet adds up. Shakeout run Saturday, then a familiar dinner and an early bedtime.
Sunday, race morning
Early alarm, familiar breakfast 3+ hours before the start, then shuttle or drop-off to Folsom. It's usually cold and dark: wear throwaway layers and keep warm until the last minute. Start-line portable toilets have lines — get in one early.
After the finish
Keep walking, eat something salty, get warm layers on quickly. The Capitol area is the meetup spot — agree on a landmark with your crew in advance.
Race-morning checklist
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- Bib pinned to race shirt the night before
- Timing chip in place (on bib — don't bend it)
- Race shoes, socks, kit laid out
- Gels for the race + one spare
- Throwaway layers: sweatshirt, pants, gloves, beanie
- Trash bag or space blanket to sit on
- Anti-chafe and sunscreen
- Breakfast + pre-race drink
- Shuttle ticket / ride plan confirmed
- Watch and phone charged
- Gear-check bag with dry clothes for the finish
- Meetup spot agreed with family/friends
Common race-week questions
Should I run the day before?
A short shakeout of 15–25 easy minutes helps most people feel loose. If you usually take full rest, that's fine too — don't change your routine now.
New shoes for race day?
No. Race in shoes you've done at least one long, fast run in.
What if it rains?
Cover your top half with a trash bag at the start, wear a cap to keep water off your face, and use plenty of anti-chafe. Rain doesn't change your pacing plan — wind might.
How much should I carb-load?
Shift toward carbohydrate-heavy meals in the last 2–3 days rather than one giant pasta dinner. Keep foods familiar and easy on your stomach.