Too Hot To Handle is almost here, and at this point, the hard work is done.

You’ve logged the miles. You’ve survived the summer training runs. You’ve probably checked the weather forecast more times than you’d like to admit.

Now? Your job is pretty simple: don’t mess it up. 🔥

Race week isn’t the time to suddenly reinvent your training, test out a brand-new pair of shoes or decide that Friday night is the perfect time to stay out until midnight.

Whether you’re running the Half Marathon, 10K or 5K at White Rock Lake, here are five things we recommend NOT doing before you hit the Too Hot To Handle starting line on Saturday.

1. DON’T Try to Squeeze In One More Hard Workout

We know the feeling.

Maybe I should get one more long run in.

Maybe I should test my race pace one more time.

Maybe I haven’t done enough…

Stop right there.

You’re not going to dramatically improve your fitness during race week. The training you’ve already completed is what gets you to Saturday.

Keep moving this week, but give your legs a chance to feel fresh. An easy run, walk or shakeout can help keep you loose without adding unnecessary fatigue.

Race-week goal: Arrive at the starting line wanting to run—not already tired from running.

2. DON’T Wait Until Saturday Morning to Think About Hydration

It’s called Too Hot To Handle for a reason. 🔥

Texas running means paying attention to heat and hydration, and that starts well before you arrive at White Rock Lake.

Keep your water bottle nearby throughout the week and make hydration part of your normal routine rather than trying to make up for it all at once on race morning.

And remember: conditions should influence your race strategy. If Saturday morning is warmer or more humid than you expected, adjust accordingly.

Race-week goal: Hydrate consistently and respect the conditions.

3. DON’T Debut Your Brand-New Race-Day Look

New shoes?

Probably not.

Brand-new socks?

Maybe save those for another day.

A new nutrition product you’ve never tried before?

Definitely not the experiment we need Saturday morning.

Race week is the time to stick with what you know works. Wear the shoes you’ve trained in, use familiar nutrition and avoid making major changes just because race day feels special.

There will be plenty of opportunities to show off your Too Hot To Handle gear after you cross the finish line. 😎

Race-week goal: Nothing new on race day.

4. DON’T Assume You Can Roll Into Norbuck Park Five Minutes Before the Start

We need you to hear us on this one:

Parking can be challenging at Too Hot To Handle.

White Rock Lake is a popular place on a normal Saturday morning. Add hundreds of runners, volunteers, spectators and regular park visitors, and things get busy quickly.

Plan ahead. Arrive early.

Review the parking map before race morning. Know which parking area you’re aiming for, consider carpooling with your running crew, and be prepared to walk from some parking locations.

Most importantly, do not park on the grass or in areas where parking is prohibited. Follow all posted signs and traffic/parking laws.

There are also designated pedestrian crossings for runners coming from the Flag Pole Hill and DART Station areas.

A little extra planning Friday night can save you a lot of stress Saturday morning.

Race-week goal: Be early enough that parking isn’t your warm-up.

5. DON’T Forget Why You Signed Up

Race week has a funny way of making runners nervous.

Suddenly you’re thinking about pace.

Splits.

Weather.

Shoes.

Parking.

Did you train enough?

Should you have eaten that?

Enough.

Remember why you signed up in the first place.

Maybe you’re chasing a Half Marathon PR.

Maybe you’ve been working toward your first 10K.

Maybe you’re running the 5K with your friends.

Or maybe you just wanted a reason to get outside, challenge yourself and spend a Saturday morning running around White Rock Lake.

Whatever brought you here, don’t let race-week nerves take the fun out of it.

Saturday morning, take a second to look around at the starting line.

You made it.

🔥 Your Too Hot Race-Week Checklist

Before you call it a night Friday:

• Pick up your race packet.
• Review the parking map.
• Lay out your shoes, socks, bib and race gear.
• Charge your watch.
• Check the forecast.
• Hydrate.
• Set the alarm—and maybe a backup.
• Get some sleep.
• Trust your training.

Then there’s only one thing left to do.

RUN TOO HOT. 🔥

We’ll see you Saturday, September 12 at White Rock Lake for the Too Hot To Handle Half Marathon, 10K & 5K.

See you at the starting line.