Well, you are there. You’ve made it. If you got through 12 miles you are now ready to run a race that will impress everyone you know: the Half Marathon. Not only are you ready, you really NEED to run a race soon. You need the experience of pinning on the bib, stepping to the Start, and crossing the Finish so you’ll be ready for the L.A. Marathon in March.

Let’s look at Half Marathons (and 10K’s, which are 6.2 miles instead of the Half’s 13.1 miles) and why they’re such a great thing to do in the middle of your training program.

The main reason is this: you need to practice for The Big Day. Half Marathons and 10K’s will show you everything you need to know about a big race without wiping you out. You’ll have a chance to visit a Race Expo, pick up your bib and other freebies, and figure out how to get to the race and deal with the massive crowds at the Start.

That Race Expo is also helpful all by itself because you’ll find a ton of vendors selling everything from race gear to nutrition to post-race recovery stuff (like foam rollers).

10K’s are generally less formal and often more community-oriented, but you’ll still get a great feel for race day. 5K’s can be helpful as well, but since the distance is well within the ability of most healthy people you’ll also find yourself in a crowd of folks who aren’t trained or disciplined. Basically, the shorter the race the more crazy and chaotic the crowds: little kids, strollers, even dogs!

10K/6.2 Miles is a more serious distance and tends to attract a more serious field. But early in your Leggers career ANY race is a good idea.

Since you’re gotten through 12 miles you have the strength and cardio to go that extra mile to 13.1. Besides, any race carries with it a lot of excitement. You’ll find it a lot easier than your average training run because there are cheering crowds, there’s usually music on the course, and you get a medal at the end. Oh — and bragging rights!

For any race (from 5K through to the Marathon) there are a couple of hard and fast rules to remember.

– Stick with what works for you the day before the race. Think: what do I do Fridays before a Leggers long run?

– Don’t eat or drink anything new at the Race Expo! Save the samples for after the race.

– Lay out everything you need the night before. You don’t want to have to scramble in the dark. Pin your bib on the night before.

– Show up at least 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. Traffic and parking can induce Race Day Panic! Better to be bored and hanging out at the Start line.

– NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY. That is the Leggers Golden Rule! Use the gear and the food and drink you’re used to.

– Start SLOWER than you think you should. Don’t go out too fast. The first mile of any race is jammed anyways. Step carefully.

– Wear your Leggers shirt (you’ll get cheers from Leggers and their fans), and have a great time!

by John Flynn
Mentor Coordinator