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.

Motivational Stories

In your training, find inspirational stories that allow you to stay motivated. Most runners today have read or seen the Prefontaine Story and know of his life which was ended abruptly in the mid-70s during his quest for gold. It is important for you to find something which appeals to you and makes a personal connection. I personally have enjoyed recent stories of "Team Hoyt" and "Bless the Coast."

Team Hoyt is a real-life story about a current father-son team that competes in numerous physical activities from triathalons to marathons. It demonstrates a father-son love and what they endure together.

Bless the Coast hits closer to home as it involves a former runner of mine and his running journey with his friend along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Canada. Their journey ended just this month as they crossed the Canadian Border.

Both of these stories address challenges that athletes must overcome. To me, they allow for some of us to realize that we can.

Marathon Season is Coming...

The summer months are winding down and the racing distances are going to be increasing in length here in the Valley of the Sun. Typically, Arizona has warm months into October which is just in time for a nice November and the many turkey trots around the state. January then kicks off the new year with the P.F. Chang's events and that is followed by the IMS Arizona Marathon in February. For those of you interested in either or both events, it is essential you start your training today. Begin at the base and work your way up with your training and forget about doing much, if any, speed in these early months of training and these last months of summer.

Summer Running

Arizona is a difficult place to train during the summer. As a near native of Arizona, I have found it important to be done with my workout by 8:00AM at the latest. The summer morning sun is typically poking its head over the horizon at 5:15AM and the temperature starts to climb almost by the minute shortly afterwards.

In regards to the evening training, you should not plan on hitting the pavement until about 45 minutes to 1/2 an hour before dusk. The day's heat has scorched the concrete and it has not had enough time to escape for a run much earlier than about 7:00PM. As an added bonus, the sun goes later into the evening before it sets and allows for you to run under the spectrum of our wonderful sunsets.

Summer Fluid Intake

As temperatures increase, you must start to consume more fluids to keep your body functioning correctly. For those who exercise on a regular basis and especially run, the water intake is essential for allowing you to complete your run. Routine water stops are recommended and should be planned into your route. If you begin to become thirsty, you have already started to dehydrate and it's important to replenish the lost fluids.

Some Basic Training Factors

The Following Items are "Some" Various Factors to Consider when Beginning to Train:
1) A "Somewhat" Clean Bill of Health to Participate w/ as Little, if any Restrictions...
Why? Because Training May and Does Cause Soreness that "May" Be Magnified with Pre-Existing Conditions.
2) Determine Your Purpose for Choosing an Activity...
Why? Because a Purpose Allows You to Stay More Motivated and Focused... ex: improve fitness, make friendships, establish a possible relationship, etc.
3) Ask Yourself, "What Am I Willing to Do to Be Successful?"
Why? Because Success often comes with a Price... ex: time obligations, lifestyle changes, financial dues, etc.
4) Choose a Sport that Interests You and Should Offer You a Challenge...
Why? Because You Will Be Doing It Often... Duh.
5) Know Your Personality and how You Respond to Successes & Failures
Why? Because Certain Activities Require You to Rely on Others and Some Don't.
Regardless of the Factors Above and the Ones You May Have, Simply Put... Put Yourself in a Situation that Will Allow You to Be Successful and Not Sorry.