1) For morning races, always eat something on race day. Some toast or a bagel with some peanut butter is an excellent race day breakfast. A POWERBAR is another good choice. Be sure to drink 8-10oz of water with breakfast 2-3 hours before race time.
2) Try to avoid soda or sugary drinks on days when you have races - they will NOT help your performance. Water works best. Even Gatorade should be diluted with water. Did you know that Gatorade isn't helpful unless the race is longer than 1 hour?
3) Runners have worries. Every runner on the starting line usually asks "does my ankle hurt?", "is my knee aching?" or "am I getting a cold?" Don't worry - when you out-sprint another runner to the finish, somehow, that all seems to go away.
Even when you don't feel your best, you must still give your best!
4) Before your races try to relax (relax??). Yes, Relax. Repeat to your self, "I'm strong, I'm fast, I'm well trained" - repeat this in your head again and again. Pretty soon you'll start to feel better. If that doesn't work, scream real loud and start to wave your arms. You won't run any faster, but you'll definitely feel better.
5) The 1st half of a race, most run poorly. Some go out too fast, some too slow, and some are skilled enough to get it just right. Understand - the success of your race isn't determined by how you start, but how you finish. It's the 2nd half that counts. The track season is a race itself, so finish strong.
THANKS!REALLY USEFUL
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