Countdown To Dopey Day 1: Tomorrow’s Start Line: How to Stay Calm, Prepared, and Ready for Dopey Challenge

The day before the Dopey Challenge begins can feel overwhelming — excitement, nerves, doubt, and anticipation all collide at once. In Day 1 of the Countdown to Dopey, Coach Jill Bartholomew walks athletes through exactly how to approach the final day before the first start line with calm, confidence, and intention. This episode focuses on letting go of last-minute stress, avoiding common race-eve mistakes, and setting yourself up to arrive at the start line steady and ready. This episode covers: What to expect on race morning, including buses, security, corrals, and character lines Why today is not about doing more — and how doing too much can hurt your weekend When a shakeout run makes sense and how easy it should actually be Why rechecking gear, scrolling forums, and comparing plans increase stress How to think about hydration without overdoing it What foods to eat — and what to avoid — the day before racing Why limiting walking and park time protects your legs How to approach sleep when nerves and early alarms are involved Why confidence matters more than perfect rest How to set a simple execution intention for race morning The work is done. Training is complete. Day 1 is about releasing control, trusting the process, and arriving at the start line calm and present. 🎧 Day 1 of the Countdown to Dopey — listen now and get ready to start your Dopey Challenge with confidence.