It’s finally race week—and now it’s time to enjoy the fitness you’ve built and everything you’ve put into training. That said, there are a few simple things you can do this week to make race morning go a whole lot smoother. Have a plan, and take the guesswork out of race day.

As a coach, I’ve always believed that showing up with a clear race plan makes all the difference—whether it’s the Olympics, Boston Marathon, or The Cap10K. Having a plan helps you avoid unnecessary surprises and gives you the best chance to run your best. And that planning doesn’t start the morning of—it starts now.

Here are my top tips for how to approach the Cap10K this year:

1. Stick to familiar food.
Keep your pre-race meals simple and predictable. Race day is not the time to experiment—go with what you know works.

2. Enjoy the expo—but don’t try anything new on race day.
New shoes, socks, gels, or drinks? Great—but save them for your next run, not this one. If you didn’t train with it, don’t race with it.

3. Know the course.
Familiarity builds confidence. Check out the Cap10K course breakdown here, and if you can preview parts of the course ahead of time—even better.

4. Plan your race morning.
Know where to park, when to arrive, and how to find your corral. Give yourself plenty of time for a warm-up and restroom stop. I recommend being in your corral at least 10 minutes before the start.

5. Dress smart.
The weather looks ideal—high 40s to low 50s at the start. A T-shirt or singlet and shorts should work well for most. But this time of year, weather can shift quickly—keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to adjust.

6. Expect nerves—and use them.
Race day jitters are a good thing. They mean this matters to you. Let that energy sharpen your focus and fuel your effort.

7. Trust your training.
You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to enjoy your fitness. Stick to your plan and embrace every step. You’ve got this!

Thank you.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to meet, run with, and coach so many of you as you’ve prepared for this year’s race—and I just want to say thank you! It’s truly been a privilege. Your commitment, energy, and progress have been one of the most rewarding parts of my season.

If you’d like to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out—follow @therunplan or email me at Ryan@therunplan.com.

I’ll see you on the race course—good luck out there!