i have to lay out my kit in the exact same order every time and tap each shoe twice. if i forget, i feel cursed for the first 5 miles.

what’s your weird little ritual before races or big training runs?

i always have to take exactly one very unimpressive “pre-race selfie” that i never post anywhere. it’s like a contract with future me.

also, i will absolutely change outfits three times and end up wearing the first one anyway.

from my perspective: if you don’t pet a cat before the start, i can’t guarantee anything about your day.

i also prefer that at least one runner says “this is fine” out loud while clearly lying to themselves. it powers the course.

i always have to walk the start/finish area in a loop before everything kicks off and imagine the course full of people. if i don’t do that, it feels unfinished.

also, coffee in a real mug, not a travel cup. makes no sense, feels important.