Many runners only run for fitness and have no desire for running races. Other runners enjoy the competition, and still other runners see running races once in a while as a way to test their fitness level. For those who are interested in running their first race, I have put together some helpful hints:

1. Make it clear to yourself why you want to run a race. If you are doing it for competitive reasons, be aware you may not do as well in your first race as you think you should. There are other factors involved in running races besides your current level of health and fitness; strategy plays a big part in how well you do in races. There is a learning curve in finding the strategy best suits you.

2. Go online and search for running clubs in your area. They will usually have a schedule of upcoming runs with contact information. The same sites usually have last year’s results for the races. Your first race should be a medium sized race. Medium sized races will usually have plenty of other runners at the same fitness level as you – no matter what that level is. It is always more fun if there are others around you in the race. If the race is too small, you may end up running alone most of the time – no matter what your fitness level is. Large races can be too overwhelming for the beginner. Just getting your packet in a large race can sometimes be an ordeal.

3. Register online or mail your registration in before the race. You do not want to worry about anything before the race besides picking up your race packet and finding the starting line. If you register early, they will have a bag all ready for you with your running number, t-shirt, and other goodies. Just tell the them what your name is and they will hand you your packet.

4. Most races are in the morning. (Read about cold weather running) Be sure to get up in PLENTY of time to be at the race location 45 minutes or so before the race starts. I like to get there one hour before. Eat well the day before the race, but don’t eat too late. Do not eat much before the race and never anything less than an hour from race time. Drink plenty of water the day before the race so your body is completely hydrated. Do not drink too much before the race. If the race is only a 5 or 10k, you will be plenty hydrated from drinking water the evening before. In other words, do not eat or drink more than normal before the race. (Go here for how to stretch)

5. Practice running the distance at least several times in the weeks before the race. Get the feel of the distance. One of the biggest mistakes new runners make when running races is going out too fast. It is very easy to do. Relax. You can always speed up in the second half of the race is you feel like it.

6. Obey all the rules. If the race rules say no headphones, don’t wear them. They will usually have some short instructions just before the start. Be sure you are close enough to hear them. Position yourself somewhere in the middle of the pack at the start line for your first race.

7. Your number goes on the FRONT of your shirt or shorts; not the back. Many new runners make this mistake. There will be pins at the check-in table or in your packet to pin the number onto your shirt or shorts. Be sure your name, sex and age are listed correctly on the number’s stub. At the finish line they will tear this stub off.

8. They will have drink stations along the way. For a 5k there really is no reason to drink during the race. For a 10k you may drink if you wish; I never do though. I always believe if I can’t run 6.2 miles without a drink of water, I didn’t drink enough the night before. No matter how hot it is, I never feel the need to drink water when running races which are 10k or shorter.

9. At the finish line there will usually be a “chute” which runners run into in the order they cross the finish line. Someone at the end of the chute will take your number’s stub. Be sure to stay in proper order in the line.

10. After running races, the organizers usually have plenty of free snacks and drinks. Be sure to drink well and get something to eat as soon as you feel like eating. And don’t forget to stay around for the awards ceremony. Even if you aren’t going to get a medal, it is still cool to stay and watch the others. It is very motivational to see the winning runners get their medals!

11. Enjoy your runners high!

Good Luck and Happy Running!