A shakeout run is typically a 5k group run at an easy pace that takes place the day before your race. The final run before it is show time! You might have seen these on social media or been invited by your training provider, local club or through a brand. Whether you opt to do the shakeout run will ultimately depend on if you prefer to run or rest the day before your race - a personal preference!
A shakeout run is exactly the same as an easy run but should not be done in addition to your planned training runs. If you decide to a join a shakeout run, do this to replace your final easy run. For example, if your training plan has you running easy on Friday, resting Saturday and on racing Sunday, then you would rest Friday, shake out on Saturday and race on Sunday.
The Pros
Boosts the race excitement!!
Allows you to stretch out the legs and loosen them off before the big day
Meet other runners who are about to take on the same race as you - share tips and tricks
Distract you from pre-race nerves
You might even be in it for the freebies!
The Cons
You don't get to fully rest for 24 hours before the race
Factor in the travel to and from the shakeout - will this add additional unnecessary mileage or time on feet?
By the day before the race you should be relaxing and organising, if heading to an organised event is hassle or stressful for you, then don't feel the pressure to go
The taper before a race is very individual. If you have found a pattern that works for you then we would advise you stick to this and avoid last minute changes so close to race day. Some people love to rest the day before a race (particularly a marathon) to save all their energy, whereas others feel like a rest day leaves them feeling stale and heavy-legged so a shakeout run is exactly what they need. For some a group run will ease the nerves and for others it will make them more nervous. The more races you will have done, the better you will be a judging what is right for you. You might even want to reflect on your training and base your decision on what worked before those harder interval sessions or tough long run efforts. Whatever you decide there is no right or wrong, but remember to have fun and enjoy the process so if in doubt, choose that option!