Segment 1: Preparation

Preparation is essential to running and life. It is often a thing that can help make or break a race for a runner and any event. Even the most experienced runners prepare for their event. The preparation for a race may be as long out as a year or more for certain individuals and it may be as simple as registering to get yourself started. A simple example would be a runner who wants to run in the Boston Marathon in a couple of years and is beginning to run more regularly. For rookie runners or what I like to call... "Green Legs," that are about to run a race for the first time. I usually recommend for them to prepare for the worse case scenario that you can imagine at least 2 days prior to the event. Here is a list of some things that are usually helpful for this scenario...

- a inexpensive warm-up or cover-up (possibly even a large trash bag) to wear prior to a race and that you aren't afraid to lose
- extra water
- some light fruit snacks for before and after
- toilet paper (often overlooked)
- running shoes (not new)
- a comfortable running outfit... shorts, singlet, socks, and even under garments (all not new)
- your racing bib number (attached if possible to your singlet)
- a hat
- knowledge of the starting and finish line areas
- keys
- a bag or place to store your bloggings during the race
- a friend or possible driver for after the race

These are just a handfull of things that runners need to consider prior to race day.

What have I gotten myself into?

This is a common fear for most people who have committed themselves to something at some point in their lives... a career, a relationship, and yes, running. The fear is natural and expected. The bad news is that it will most likely not go away, but the good news for running is that it can help be redirected to make things transition easier. The first segment of this fear to be covered explores Preparation.