# Getting Started with RaceCraft

RaceCraft generates a personalised race plan — pacing, checkpoint timings, fuel, and hydration — in a few steps.

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## What You'll Need

- A **GPX file** for your race route (or use a built-in known race)
- Your checkpoint distances (in km from the start)
- A rough idea of your pace and nutrition targets

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## Quick Start (6 Steps)

### 1. Load Your Route
Click **"Choose GPX file"** to upload your route, or click **"Load Known Race"** to pick from the built-in race library. Distance, elevation, and profile are read automatically.

### 2. Set Checkpoints
Enter the number of checkpoints, your expected stop time per checkpoint, and the cumulative distance to each one.

### 3. Set Your Pace
Choose a pacing mode:
- **Base Pace** — enter your comfortable flat-terrain pace (min/km) and RaceCraft calculates your finish time
- **Target Time** — enter your goal finish time and RaceCraft calculates the required pace

Adjust **Climbing Ability** and **Fitness Level** to refine the model.

### 4. Terrain (Optional)
Enable terrain difficulty if your race has technical sections. Set your skill level and the default terrain type — or customise each segment individually.

### 5. Nutrition
Enter carbs per hour (g), water per hour (mL), and optionally carbs per serving to get per-checkpoint drop bag targets.

### 6. Calculate
Click **"Calculate Race Plan"** to generate your segment breakdown, elevation profile, and drop bag tables.

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## Saving & Exporting

- **Save Plan** — saves locally; sign in to sync across devices
- **Export** — CSV or PDF via the menu (top right)

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For full detail on each setting, see [How to Use RaceCraft](1.%20usage/2.%20How-to-Use-RaceCraft.md).