Reality: Lots of new runners have anxiety about their first racing experience. They have questions such as, "When should I eat?" "What is the starting line like?" "Could I get lost?" Reading about race day preparation is definitely helpful, but you may feel more comfortable if you attend a race before you actually run one.
Go watch a race or offer to volunteer so you can experience the race atmosphere and get a better idea of what to expect. You can also talk to friends and family members who have done races and ask them for tips and advice. Or, better yet, ask a friend who has run races in the past to "adopt" you for a race and show you where to go and what to do at the race. Most runners would be excited to introduce a new runner to road racing.
More: Road Race Etiquette Tips
How to Take Water from Hydration Stops
How to Deal With Crowds at Races
Dealing With Pre-Race Jitters and Anxiety
Common Fears About Running Races
By Christine Luff, About.com
Updated June 28, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Prev
- Fear: I'm going to finish last.
- Fear: I'm too self-conscious to run in front of a lot of people.
- Fear: I won't be able to run the whole time.
- Fear: I don't know what to expect.
- Fear: I'm too old to be running races.
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