A ritual I have is to stretch and do strides well clear of the big crowds and the start line (as far as 500 meters away from the scene) - just pretend it's a regular jog in the park (even though I'm wearing a bib number and have a chip at my foot :D )
I always have to tie, untie and retie my shoes at least 6 times, and I always have 1/2 cup of gatorade, 1/2 bagel and 16 oz of water before a road race and 1 cup gatorade, 1 bagel and 24 oz of water before a track meet. I've always done it and no sense in changing it now.
oh yeah i have rituals and they start the day prior to the race.
20 oz bag of Doritos and a gallon of water from the afternoon to 9pm.
i check my skates and the weather and put the skates together according to rain or shine and a long hot bath and read a book. light skate in the afternoon.
Night before, set out my clothes and pack the skate bag with the required needs.
5 am wake up, coffeee and bagel while walking nerves off. lace up skates and secure all laces, warm up for 40 minutes, re do the laces. find a spot in the line up near the front but just behind the first row. unless it's raining, then i set up near the back.
20 oz bag of Doritos and a gallon of water from the afternoon to 9pm.
i check my skates and the weather and put the skates together according to rain or shine and a long hot bath and read a book. light skate in the afternoon.
Night before, set out my clothes and pack the skate bag with the required needs.
5 am wake up, coffeee and bagel while walking nerves off. lace up skates and secure all laces, warm up for 40 minutes, re do the laces. find a spot in the line up near the front but just behind the first row. unless it's raining, then i set up near the back.
Night before: shave, stretch real good, have 2 beers with dinner, bed before 9:30.
Morning of: 20 minute bike ride, then 10 minute run to loosen up the legs a bit.
Morning of: 20 minute bike ride, then 10 minute run to loosen up the legs a bit.