Staying hydrated is super important for doing well on race day. I've learned this from my experience over the years. When you're running a long race, every drop of water counts. Keeping yourself hydrated can really help you perform better. Here are some reasons why hydration should be one of your top priorities on race day:

1. Prevents Dehydration: When you race, especially in hot weather, you sweat a lot. If you don't drink enough, you can get tired, have muscle cramps, and do much worse than you can. Believe me, you don’t want to be dragging your feet when you should be racing to the finish line!

2. Helps You Keep Going: Drinking enough water keeps your blood flowing well and helps your body stay cool. When you’re well-hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work too hard. This way, you can keep going strong without getting worn out.

3. Keeps Your Mind Sharp: Hydration is important for your brain too. If you’re low on water, you might feel fuzzy and lose your focus. Staying alert is key for keeping the right pace and making good choices during the race.

4. Makes Energy Last Longer: When you're well-hydrated, your body uses carbohydrates better. This means you'll have more energy for those tough final miles.

Tips for Staying Hydrated on Race Day:

• Start Early: Drink water regularly while you train to create a good habit.
• Know What You Need: Think about the weather and how hard you're working to figure out how much you should drink.
• Plan for Race Day: Aim to drink about 500-1000 ml of fluids in the 2-3 hours before the race, and keep sipping during the race.

Remember, hydration is your best friend on race day—so don’t forget about it!