Westside LA Team In Training - Summer 2009 Marathon & Half Marathon Team

Posts Tagged ‘top10’

Remember, if this is your first marathon or half marathon, whether you’re a runner or a walker, you should focus on completing the race and not on your speed. For many of you, this will be an incredible personal milestone. Repeat with me now:

“For your first race, JUST FINISH!”

1. Not resting the day before.
The day before the race you should sit around the pool or watch lots of movies in your room. Don’t spend lots of time at the expo. Your sleep two nights before a race is the most important…you may be nervous the night before.

2. Eating too much the night before.
Don’t overload on pasta! You don’t want to be looking for a porta-potty all day.

3. Trying new equipment/food/drink on race day.
Nothing worse than finding those new shoes blister, those new shorts chafe, or that new drink makes you sick to your stomach.

4. Going out too fast.
The #1 biggest mistake. Don’t let the adrenaline take over. If you run your engine hot early on, it can take a long time to recover. No sense getting to mile 13 really fast then struggling for another 13.

5. Not taking your walk breaks early.
If you trained with walk breaks, take them from the start and regularly. You’re going to be excited, so use your mental discipline.

6. Drinking too much/too little.
Drink 16-20oz an hour. Start early and carry your bottle. Fill it up at the aid stations and keep tabs on how much you’re drinking.

7. Not maintaining proper form.
Don’t slump over when you’re tired. Make your body an efficient machine.

8. Getting down on yourself if you start to hurt.
You will hurt at some point. Expect it, and know you’ve put the time in to get through it.

9. Racing with a stranger.
Don’t get sucked in. Don’t let the heat of the moment ruin your race.

10. Forgetting to enjoy the day!
Have fun! Remember why you’re here!