Why do we Race?

[Sandy]

"Why do you run", is a question all runners have heard.  There are as many reasons why we run, as there are runners.  There are the obvious reasons: it's the fastest way to get fit in the shortest amount of time and it significantly decreases your risk for heart disease and boosts your immune system.  Then there are the personal reasons such as stress relief, personal satisfaction, socialization and mastery of ones-self.  Some of us run for "fun" if you can imagine that.  Now why do we take it that one step further and RACE?  
     That question we tend to ask ourselves, particularly race morning.  Some people race to challenge themselves against others, the clock or their last best performance.  Some people race because it gives them a reason to get up every morning and train.  Whatever has brought you to your starting line, whatever the distance; here are some pre-race suggestions.  

1.   Get to the start of your race having trained the right amount.  "The right" amount depends on race distance, and yes you can train too much as well as not enough.  To determine how many weeks you need to train for a marathon, subtract 28 from your longest run in the past 3 weeks.  Example: If you ran a 10 miler in the last 3 weeks you will need 18 weeks to train.  If it was 3 miles you will need 7 months.  For shorter distance races obviously less time is required.
2.   Rest is vital to race day performance.  For a marathon you should start your taper, decreasing your workload, 3 weeks prior to your goal race.  Again shorter distances require a shorter taper, but give yourself at least a week for a 5 to 10k race.  If you are an experienced racer you may train through a race as long as it is not your goal race.
3.   Eat and drink regularly and increase the percentage of carbohydrates to as much as 70% of total daily calories.
4.   You are unlikely to sleep well the night before a race.  Spend the week getting to bed on time, especially 2 nights prior.  Go to bed at your usual time race night and if you are restless, don?t clock watch.  This just adds to your stress, making sleep less likely.
5.   Pick up your race packet the day prior and set your clothes out before going to bed.  Attach your timing chip to your shoe and your number to your top.
6.   Give yourself enough time in the morning to eat, dress and get to the start line with enough time for one last bathroom break and a quick warm-up.

Now set aside those nerves and have FUN!