Dancing Tips

            So you’ve signed up to dance for STRIVE for 14 hours!  Whether you’re doing this as part of a team or as an individual it’s going to be a fantastic night!  There are a few steps you can take to ensure that this is one of the best nights of your life.  Here are few tips that will help you to have a great night as you rock with STRIVE: 

Before the Marathon:  Preparation is the most important part! 
                       
Attitude

• Mental toughness is one of the most important elements in planning to dance for STRIVE, if you adopt the attitude that you/your team will complete the entire marathon you will be able to do it!

Exercise

• Walking, running, Stairmaster, leg stretches, massage, lower-body weights
• If you already workout regularly, continue to do so.  If you do not workout regularly begin slowly and build up, this will really pay off the night of the Marathon. 
• DO NOT do any strenuous exercise the day before or the day of the marathon, you will need to be well-rested. 

Stay Healthy

• Get plenty of sleep in the weeks leading up to Dance Marathon
• Avoid Sickness:  wash your hands, eat well, and take vitamins
• Eat well; choose healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high protein.  Avoid junk foods high in fats and sugars. 
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially in the final week leading up to Dance Marathon

Talk it up!

• Making it through the night will be easier if you are excited!
• Invite friends and family members to come visit you throughout the night, this will make things go faster and you can show all those who supported you the good cause their money is going to.

Things to Bring: These things will help to keep you going though the night!

          Your Belongings:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush/comb, and hair tie/hat
• Glasses or eye drops
• Baby Powder (great for your feet to absorb moisture!)
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Any medicine you need
• Camera and Film

Foot Gear:

• Socks!  3-4 pairs to change approximately every 4 hours
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable, broken-in sneakers, DO NOT bring brand-new sneakers

Clothing:

• 2-3 extra, clean t-shirts
• Comfortable, loose fitting shorts and pants
• 2-3 extra pairs of close fitting undergarments (sports bras recommended for girls and briefs or boxer-briefs for guys)

DO NOT BRING:

• Your watch-time flies when you’re having fun!
• Any money or valuables you do not need or might lose

THE DAY OF:   What to do the morning of dance marathon to prepare!

            Eat:

• Make sure to eat well the day of dance marathon
• Drink one glass of water when you wake up in the morning
• At mealtime, drink a glass of water, eat, and drink another glass of water
• Enjoy well-balanced meals including carbs, proteins, and fats.  For example:
• Breakfast- eat a banana, cereal, milk, and a slice of toast with peanut butter
• Lunch- Turkey on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato and a little mayonnaise or mustard Dinner-eat dinner approx 2 hours prior to the start of dance marathon- try spaghetti with meat sauce and a salad. 

Make sure you have everything you need to have a great night!

Dance Marathon Night!!
          It’s finally here and you’ve done all the preparation, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a blast!

• Never skip a meal-nutrition is important
• Continue to drink water all night
• Avoid caffeine to stay awake-it will increase your heart rate and dehydrate you
• Eat healthy snacks as needed
• Change your socks and underwear frequently (every 3-4 hours), it will help you feel refreshed and awake
• Wash your face if you begin to feel tired; it wakes you up and makes you feel better!
• HAVE FUN-enjoy all the activities planned and remember how excited you are about this cause you are dancing for!