by Steve Sievert

This feature is a continuation of the "Beginners Beat" column in the September 2001 issue of Runner Triathlete News. To get the full scoop on running your first race, pick up a copy of the September issue of Runner Triathlete News.

Proper preparation the night before will help ensure that you can basically roll out of bed on race morning and head to the starting line with little effort or thought.

Get to the race site at least 45 minutes before the race begins. Get your gear settled - watch, cap, etc. - and don't forget to have your number pinned to the front of your shirt or shorts.

Once everything is set, warm up. This is a very individualized decision. For some, a warm-up is nothing more than walking to the starting line. For others, it means getting a mile in and stretching for 10 minutes. Do what feels comfortable, but you should at least jog for a few minutes, get the blood flowing, loosen the legs and break a sweat. You shouldn't go to the starting line completely cold.

Ideally, this is a small race with fewer than 300 participants, so it's not crucial to get in place at the starting line 30 minutes ahead of time. About 10 minutes before the start, position yourself toward the back of the pack. This helps ensure you don't get trampled at the start. It also helps prevent you from starting too fast.

Once you cross the starting line, just focus on completing one mile at a time at a comfortable pace. Talk with some of the runners around you and soak in the sights. Remember, it's your first race. Concentrate on having fun, not setting a world record!