“Nothing new on race day” (running adage)
“Nothing new on race day” is a popular adage among marathon runners and triathletes. Everything should be tried and tested on long training runs. A new diet or new gear should not be tried on the day of a race; everything should be familiar and comfortable, according to routine.
“Nothing new on race day” has been cited in print since at least 1999, but advice such as “new kit should never be worn for the first time in a race” has been cited in print since at least 1987.
Google Books
Running from A to Z
By Cliff Temple
London: Paul
1987
Pg. ?:
All running kit should be tried and tested on long training runs, and new kit should never be worn for the first time in a race.
Google Groups: rec.sport.triathlon
SteveBlum
Mar 8, 1999 3:00 am
(...)
IMHO, You’ve obviously learned one of the most important rules of triathlon: “nothing new on race day.” The more you practice ahead of time, the smoother your tri’s will go. And as you follow RST, you’ll see that there is nothing too trivial, arcane or indelicate for us trigeeks to discuss, analyse and test.
Google Books
Running 101:
Essentials for Success
By Joe Henderson
London: Time-Life
2000
Pg. 107:
Do nothing new on race day. Wear the shoes and clothes that you know are comfortable, and eat (or don’t eat) as you would before any run.
Google Groups: rec.sport.triathlon
TriathRon Gilcreast
Jul 10 2000
(...)
The Bike
Now, if there is a cardinal rule of triathlon, it’s this; Nothing New On Race Day.
Wise Contradictions
August 06, 2005
Race Day Checklist
(...)
Remember, nothing new on race day. Do not give into temptation. Nothing means no new foods, no new gear, no new routines, no changes.
Google Books
July 2006, Men’s Health, pg. 140:
Do nothing new on race day, says Cosgrove. Wear the same shorts you trained in, don’t don a new pair of shoes, and consume the same sports drink or juice that you’re used to. Even small changes could cause chafing, blisters, or stomach problems.
27 February 2010, Talahassee (FL) Democrat, “Just say ‘no’ to pre-race neurosis” by Ian Briggs:
There is a famous and well used saying in endurance sport: “Nothing new on race day.”
Running Commentary // Chatter runs
Nothing New on Race Day
Posted on January 30, 2011 by ChatteRuns
Nothing new on race day. That’s what the coaches at Rogue kept telling us. It basically means if there’s anything you want to experiment on – running nutrition, shoes, accessories, running paces etc. – you should have done it all at training.
Capital City Training (Columbus, OH)
Nothing New on Race Day – Part 1 What to Wear!
Mar 27, 2012
Posted by Coach Aimee
Nothing new on race day is a mantra of half marathon and marathon coaches everywhere! I heard a new and better version this weekend from Janet Hamilton, an exercise physiologist, fabulous running coach, and coach of coaches. She says “Nothing new in or on your body on race day!” Well said. This means nothing new; not the fancy gel packet you found at the expo but never tried in training, not the sweet neon shorts you bought at the running store last week, not the fried egg and cheese sandwich that your running buddy swears is her good luck meal! Nothing new.