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Keeping That Running Resolution

by JeremyDuane

Is your new year's resolution to get in shape?  Have you decided
to become a runner?  Is your enthusiasm lagging already?  One
thing that might give you the boost you need is a little
competition.  Getting out early one Saturday in the cool air and
completing a race with several hundred people doing the same
thing you are could give you the motivation you need to keep
going.

You can find local upcoming races by searching the internet,
keeping an eye on your local paper, or checking with the rec
center in your area.  Registration is generally done through a
local sports store, the rec center, or online.  The race will
cost anywhere from $15 and up (bigger events that require more
planning, special equipment, or are complex in nature like a
triathlon can cost $75 or more).  Your fee generally covers a
t-shirt, an aid station (water and gatorade along the way) and
snacks at the finish line.  Keep in mind, the more you pay, the
better the shirt and the grub, so it's a trade off.

Wondering if you can go the distance in a race?  A 5K (3.1
miles) is usually the shortest road race out there, but
occasionally you can find a fun run of a mile or so.  If you are
a new runner and don't think you can run the whole 3.1 miles,
don't worry--there will be plenty of people out there walking
part of the way or the whole way.

If you have a month or so before your race, it's a good idea to
find a training program to follow which will improve your fitness
and give you the confidence to go the distance.  You can find
training regimens for your fitness level online (search "5K
training plan") or through your gym or rec center.  Don't try to
win the race your first time.  Training too hard will burn you
out mentally and could very likely lead to an injury.  Take it
easy in preparing for and running your first race; it will be
more enjoyable, and you will be more likely to stick with your
program.

The week before the race should be easier in terms of mileage
and intensity.  If you have been following a regimen, you will
find that week quite easy compared with some you did in the late
middle of your training.    This is to rest your body and get it
ready for the rigors of a race.

A day or two before the race, make sure you are getting enough
sleep and enough water to prepare your body.  You may find it's
hard to sleep the night before the race, but don't worry about
that; it's the night before the night before the race that is
really important to your race day performance.

The morning of the race, eat something light and quick (a banana
or a piece of toast), and have a small glass of juice. Don't
drink too much water within two hours of race time, but in that
last half hour before the race, drink all you want.

Make sure to wear plenty of layers; keep warm before the race
and warm up by walking or jogging a few hundred yards.  You may
want to lighten your load before the gun goes off though, because
you don't want to have extra layers causing you to sweat and lose
precious moisture during the race.

Once the gun does go off, take off slowly.  There will be plenty
of runners who take off to be at the front of the pack, but, as a
first time runner, you will want to hold back and remember 3
miles is plenty of distance to catch everyone you are going to
catch.  Take it easy, and enjoy the experience.  if you're really
going to stick with this running thing, there will be plenty of
time to work up to winning races.

Finally, remember that no matter what place you come in, just
finishing your first road race is a great accomplishment.  Be
proud of yourself!  Wear your t-shirt whenever you want, and use
this experience as a great motivational tool for all those runs
you'll be doing without the gun, the crowds, or the aid stations
along the way!

Jeremy hooks up his favorite toys with the right <a
href="http://www.trailerhitchuniverse.com">trailer hitch,</a> and
when he's not towing, he carries extra gear in his <a
href="http://www.trailerhitchuniverse.com/c/cargo_carriers/">hitch
mounted cargo carriers</a>.

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