1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging

Common Racing Mistakes to Avoid

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 08, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

2 of 5

Racing Mistake #2: Wearing New Clothes or Shoes on Race Day

Some runners think that a new pair of running shorts will bring them good luck or give them an extra boost of confidence on race day. Although they might feel good when you try them on, a new pair of running shorts might ride on you or cause chafing once you start running. You don't want to discover at mile 5 of a half-marathon that your new running socks are causing blisters or your new sports bra is not giving you the support that you need.

The racing solution: "Nothing new on race day" should become a familiar phrase to any road racer. Race day is not the time to experiment with a new pair of running shoes, running shorts, or a new sports bra. It's better to stick with your tried-and-true favorites that you know are comfortable. If you get a race T-shirt in your race goody bag before the race, you definitely don't want to wear it during the race. Not only are there bad luck superstitions associated with wearing the race T-shirt, but it will also make you look like a rookie.

Explore Running & Jogging
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging
  4. Training Schedules
  5. Running for Beginners - Common Racing Mistakes to Avoid

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.