Getting Ready for Your First Race

So I’ve super duper excited for my first 5K in February.  And I’m also really nervous, so I was checking out Runners World and found this great article. It’s got some great rules of the road and good preparation information.

Are there any things those of you who have run a race would add?

Treadmill Vs. The Outdoors

I know Amanda brought this up a few days ago so I thought it was funny to see this discussion at Active.com today.  Go check it out there are some great points.  It’s always fun to see different perspectives.  Also check out the forums for other great discussions.

The Running Game

“Once you’re beat mentally, you might was well not even go to the starting line.” -Todd Williams

 

The thing about running is that it is mostly a mental game, fought against yourself.  When I run, especially when I race, it is an all out competition to push myself further and faster than I have gone before.  Throughout the course of a run, I engage in an inner dialogue with myself, yelling, cajoling, encouraging, anything to keep going forward.  It is amazing what physical limits we can surpass when we set our minds to it.

So the next time you pound the pavement, challenge yourself.  And remember that running is just a mental game.

What do you do besides run?

I was looking around for a great way to supliment my running workouts, while also helping to make me a stronger runner.  I’m glad I did I found this great article at Active.com.

I’m did these today, and they felt great!  But I still want to add a few more things so I can keep it new and different.

What do you do to workout besides run?  Do you think it makes you a stronger runner?

Pain

 

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”  (unknown)

 

Which do you prefer?

Running on the treadmill or outside?

I much prefer running outside, but as the winter fast approaches, the cold and snow/ice will probably force me inside and on the treadmill.  Besides the weather thing, are they any advantages to running inside on a treadmill?

Running and The Holidays

I know this is a time most people fall of the diet bandwagon, but what about fitness?  For me a certain amount of fitness will excuse a certain amount diet mistakes .  My plan is to stick with my running as I’ve been doing it.  Also I want start adding in something more for strength and flexibility like yoga.

Do the holidays effect your running plan?

Running with Music

Do you run with music?

I don’t run with music and actually prefer not to.  I have a feeling that I’m far in the minority on this one.  If you do run with music, why do you?  What do you listen to?

Does not listening to music affect your running?

Does it count?

If my stolen goal is to run in [five] 5k race[s], does it still count if I only ran for a  little over a third of the way?

How Do You Run?

I run alone, I’ve never run with a buddy, I don’t think I would like it.  But I’m thinking about joining this running group once a week for four weeks.  I think it would be great because the leader or teacher or whatever can help with form and running tips.  It might be good for me before I develop any horrible habits I have to break later.  And who knows I’ve never tried it before maybe I will like running with a group.

So here is my question for you, do you run alone, with a group, or maybe just a buddy?  Why do you prefer it?

Thanks for your help guys!