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3 Essentials to Consider Before Your First Race

Expert Author Alan Seel

Preparation is key to good performances in Running. This article looks at 3 of the more important things you need to consider before running in a race.

Fitness level

Before entering a race you need to ensure that your body is in a reasonable state of fitness. Because of the amount of necessary training you will have done in the lead up to your race all the vital systems in the body should be in a healthy state. This especially applies to the cardiovascular system which will enable you to complete the distance without any undue pressure being put on your body. It is foolish to attempt to run if you are suffering or have recently suffered any cold or flu like symptoms. Also, any sign of injury should be noted and an evaluation of whether or not to run should be made nearer the event.

Nutrition

Ordinarily, your body needs a good balanced diet to remain healthy, this is even more pertinent to anyone who is attempting to take part in running events on a regular basis. Good portions of the five main food groupings of Carbohydrates, Dairy products, Proteins, Fruit & Vegetables and Fats should be taken regularly with more Carbohydrate intake just prior to the race. This will ensure a good mix and give the body every chance of performing to its best.

Training

Before any race the proper amount of training for the particular distance should be completed. This cannot afford to be skimped on or a poor result will often be the outcome. Some sort of programme should be followed that gives simple week by week outlines of the training requirements to enable you to run the distance comfortably on the day. Beginner runners should see what amount of training sessions they are comfortable with each week and the programme should be set accordingly. Each programme should start of fairly easy, increase to a steady mileage midway and then taper down towards the race day itself. This will mean that you will be fresh on the day and you will have every opportunity of giving a good account of yourself in the race.

About this Author

This article was written by Alan Seel who has many years of running experience. Visit http://www.easy2run.blogspot.com for more information about running.

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