Tips for Running a Great Race

The competitive runner must hone a collective of fundamental skills, all which require dedication and know-how to attain. While an accomplished runner may race for the thrill, his victories can only be claimed by ability.

Study your running path before the race. You will typically find the course schema online, or in literature given out to participants. Knowing the terrain ahead of time will give you an invaluable edge during the race. You will be able to anticipate forthcoming hills, declines and turns. You can, therefore, make quicker adjustments than less prepared runners. You may even be able to complete one or more practice runs before the event, adding to your comfort on the track.

Run the race, mentally, from start to finish. Do this every night during the final two weeks heading into the race. Then, on race day, find a place where you can sit in silence for several minutes. Close your eyes and go through the most crucial points of the run. See yourself completing the race successfully, hands held high. Imagine hearing the crowd's cheers and feel the rush of victory. Doing this will place you in the ideal conditions to perform at your best.

Run from an upright and balanced stance. Leaning too far forward will disrupt your equilibrium and may lead to upper-body fatigue and cramping. You can hold the correct running posture by utilizing a simple visualization technique. Imagine that there is a rope running through the middle of your spine, stretching up into the sky. While you run, think of an invisible hand lifting the string slightly and holding it taught. Holding this image in your mind will elongate your frame and help you run a better race.

Keep your muscles loose. This may seem counter-intuitive, considering the effort required to run competitively. However, racing in a relaxed yet graceful manner will keep you from wasting energy needed for the run. Tightened muscles will constrict your breathing and inhibit the body's ability to absorb oxygen. Staying "loose," however, will help you keep proper form, breathe better and run faster.