Race day is finally here—and with it, the mix of nerves, adrenaline, and questionable decisions. From starting too fast to forgetting to charge your watch, we’ve all had those “oops” moments.
Here are 26 race day regrets you might recognize—and hopefully avoid next time.
1. Skipping your usual breakfast
You woke up nervous and couldn’t eat. Bad move—hunger will catch up before you expect it.
2. Drinking too much coffee (and not enough water)
Caffeine is great… until you’re stuck in a porta-potty line before the start.
3. Ignoring the weather forecast
Yes, “feels like” is not the same as 78°F with the sun in your face. Should’ve grabbed that hat.
4. Dressing for mile 1, not for mile 10
You will warm up. That cozy long sleeve? Regret in fabric form.
5. Wearing something new on race day
That new shirt looks fast—but rubs in all the delicate places. And those shorts ride up. Fun times.
6. Not using Body Glide (or any anti-chafe)
You’ll understand why people swear by it. Especially in the post-race shower. Ouch.
7. Skipping the porta-potty line because it’s long
Don’t be a hero. Be the person who peed in time—not the one searching for a bush at mile 2.
Related: 10 Tips to Avoid Toilet Breaks During a Race
8. Not warming up because “it’s a long run anyway”
Those first few miles will be rough if your body’s still half asleep.
Related: 6 Warm-up Mistakes to Avoid Before Any Race
9. Starting too far back (or too far forward)
Either you’re stuck in a shuffle or being passed constantly. Pick your pace zone and stick to it.
10. Starting too fast because “I feel amazing!”
You always feel amazing the first half-mile. The next 25.7? Not guaranteed.
Related: The #1 Rule for Finishing a Race Strong
11. Not reading the course map
Surprise hills aren’t fun. Neither are sharp turns or gravel at mile 22. Study up.
12. Forgetting to check where aid stations are
Dry mouth and desperate thoughts: “Where is that water already?!”
13. Not training with your race-day fuel
That new strawberry gel? Tastes like regret and weird liquid soap.
14. Taking too much fuel “just in case”
Running with a full belly feels exactly like you’d imagine: not great.
15. Not drinking at all
“I’m not even thirsty!”—until you’re hot, dizzy, and your legs turn to Jell-O.
16. Drinking every cup at every aid station
This isn’t a buffet. A full cup of water every mile won’t make you faster—just sloshier.
17. Trusting the weather—and forgetting sunscreen
Cloudy skies still burn. Hello, weird tan lines.
18. Not charging your watch
You trained for months… and your watch dies at mile 6. No splits for you.
19. Running with a dead playlist or the wrong music
You needed motivation, got elevator music. Or worse—nothing at all.
20. Forgetting your lucky hat/socks/etc.
You’re not superstitious… except you kinda are. And now everything feels off.
Related: 20 Oddly Satisfying Rituals Runners Do on Race Day
21. Obsessively checking your pace every 5 seconds
More stress, less fun. Look up. Run. Trust yourself.
22. Comparing yourself to others mid-race
“Her stride is prettier… He looks fresher…” Pointless. Stay in your lane.
23. Forgetting to smile for race photographers
You were flying—but the photo says frog-in-distress. Smile through the pain!
24. Starting your finish sprint too soon
You launch into a dramatic finish… and crawl the final stretch.
25. Having no post-race plan
Where’s the food? Where are your friends? Where’s your phone? Rookie move.
26. Leaving before cheering for others
You crushed it—amazing! But sticking around to cheer makes it even better.
26.2 Not celebrating your finish
PR or not, you showed up, ran hard, and crossed that line. That’s a big deal. Own it.
