Race Day Tips and Tricks
Now the only races I have been to are local ones up here in my area. But hey how different can they be? I'm sure us girls up here suffer the same fashion dilemma as those at the big days! So here are my top tips for surviving through race day as unscathed as possible! (Lets be honest you're not going to escape completely unharmed)
1. Plan your way home before you go!
This has nothing to do with drink driving either. This is purely so you don't get stuck walking home. I had a bad experience a few years back. Myself and my friend had spent all day at the races. It was around 35 degrees. When it was time to go, well we got stuck and yes in our drunken minds thought walking home was the way to go. It was about an hour walk in a normal mind, but we had been drinking and also wearing stilettos all day so well we went bare foot. The blisters on my feet from walking on the hot concrete and tar was horrendous. I couldn't walk for days. So please! Plan your way home!
2. Drink water
It is a pretty obvious one, but drinking water is essential, if you are drinking or staying sober making sure that you are properly hydrated reduces your risk of heat stroke cause we all know sometimes these race days can get pretty warm and there is very few places for shade!
3. Bring bandaids and any first aid you may need.
This year within 5 minutes of being at the Gold Cup I was walking around with a blister.. It was terrible. From now on every time I go,I'm going to put bandaids on my feet before I leave as well as taking a few with me. As well as things like tissues, panadol and lots of sun screen!
4. Dress for the weather
Now the weather can always change. So I make sure that I have a few outfit options up my sleeve. My dress and head wear are the main focus so that will always stay the same. I make sure that I have a jacket or cardigan that will match with my outfit if it is meant to be cooler. If it is expected to rain, I will opt for a lower heel! (Nothing worse then were 6 inch heels trying to walk on wet grass or concrete and well yeah). If its meant to be warmer then obviously it is less of a dilemma. If I find out that it is going to be sunny and hot hot, I will change my head piece to one that covers most of my face. I can't stand not being covered!
5. Eat a big breakfast
Race day normally is a full day, and can go on into the night. If you're like me then your a person who sometimes if they are busy doing things they actually forget to eat (Crazy right) I also can never be bothered lining up and spending money on expeinsive normally shitty food. So unless you're in a marquee make sure you have a big meal before you go. It will also help with the alcohol absorption, cause you don't want to die to early in the day!
6. Don't go to hard to early
Now this one is one that I know a lot of people won't listen to. I can't stop it. But I think the best days are the ones you remember. No point spending the money on a dress, a ticket and everything else if you're just going to look trashy. I know people who literally start drinking the moment they wake up, and my 10 they are gone. The day hasn't even started then. Here is how I handle my drinking schedule:
1. Start having a few casual wines while you are getting ready (Any excuse for a mimosa) I'm not a total party pooper I love a good party!
2. Normally race gates open around 10am. I won't buy any alcohol until after 12 this stops me from just hitting it hard all day. Also helps out my bank account
3. I stick to drinking wine until later in the afternoon. The sooner I hit spirits the more likely it will end trashy
7. Stock your clutch right!
Only take the essentials. I take my licence cash, phone lipstick and a setting powder for quick touch ups, as well as my first aid essentials. If I take a bank card it is put in a separate pocket so I don't waste money.
I've noticed that since phones have started getting bigger that its a lot harder to fit all this into one clutch. But my tips when picking a clutch would be try and opt for something that isn't set in its shape. So that you can fit more in it and arrange it easier. I have broken way to many clutches trying to stuff too much in one bag.
8. Make sure you have a good group of people
One thing I hate is going to the races as a third wheel.... It has happened more times then I would like to let on. If you are going to be going to the races with a couple, make sure that you either can find a date to go with you. Or offer the idea of asking other friends to attend with you so that you aren't the one hanging around like a weirdo..
There you have it! I hope these tips help you planning your next race day :) -S