Things to Remember When Running a Race

You may think running a race it simple. Just stand at the starting line and wait for the gun, then run. But there are a lot of other things to consider when running a race. Remember to wear your silicone bracelet or silicone wristbands to support the cause. Here are a few things to remember when running a race.

Make sure you are going at your own pace. Don't try to catch up to someone in front of you. This will mess up your pacing, leave you exhausted for the rest of the race. Also, you will probably get in someone else's way, and could injure yourself if your not used to the pace your running at. Don't try to sprint past someone to beat them. Most 5k races are charity events anyway, not competition. Everyone is there for the same cause and just trying to compete against themselves to finish the race.

Many of these races can get very crowded, especially at the starting line. Be patient and don't try to get to the front. If you're a walker, try starting farther back in the pack. Most people will probably be passing you anyway, and it is difficult for runners to run by a slower person in such a big pack, especially if there is a large group of walkers.

If you do bring pets, make sure you're allowed to. A dog can be a great companion on a long run, but it's important to keep them under control. Make sure the leash is short, as many times runners can trip over long leashes. Also make sure your dog will behave himself in public and wont disturb or distract other runners.

Another thing that can be distracting to other runners is noise. Talking is a great way to pass the time on a long race, but it is good to remember that not everyone wants to hear your conversation about your bodily functions. Keep your music low, try not to slap your feet on the pavement, and keep keys and heart monitors or pacers quiet. Respect for other runners is one of the most important things you can bring to a race.

Be careful at aid stations too. Remember that other runners will be trying to get some water too. If you jump right in front of someone you can mess up their pace, trip them, or cause serious injury. Just step off to the side if you need to take a water break. When you finally get your water, watch where you aim it. Many runners tell horror stories about being hit with a careless runner's water, spit, or snot.

Dress is important too. While you don't want to be running in heavy clothes, try to avoid anything too skimpy or see-through. Remember that many of these races are family events and no one wants to have to cover their child's eyes when you race by in your drenched short shorts.

The key to running any race with a lot of other people is courtesy. It's not about winning. Just remember that others are running and they want to be treated just as well as you would want them to treat you.

Chuck R. Stewart has noticed that wearing a customized silicone bracelet makes someone feel a part of the group. He purchased a case of customized silicone wristbands for his basketball team to sell as a fund raiser.

Long Term Impact of Running

The long term impact of running is a commonly debated issue. Running is widely recognised as being beneficial in minimising the effect of the aging process, reducing stress and strengthening the body. This article will seek to discuss these issues and evaluate the overall benefits running can have in the long term. 

Several studies have researched the effect which running can have to minimising the effect of the aging process. Michael Pollock (1971) conducted a study of 27 elite runners at Wake University in North Carolina. 

Over the following 30 years, 21 of these runners were still active and it was found that their body fat percentage had only increased marginally, their muscle mass had improved, their oxygen uptake remained considerably higher than average and they had experienced only a 5% drop in heart rate per decade, compared to a drop of 10% in non runners. The study concluded that long term running had managed to halt or even reverse the aging process in some aspects of the runner's bodies, showing significant long term benefits of sustained exercise.

Although a commonly cited disadvantage of running is the damage which it could potentially do to joints, this issue is often raised by non runners and not the health professionals who advise on it. In realty, if a runner is careful with injuries and wears adequate running shoes, the benefits to joints can be considerable. The reduction in body fat which runners enjoy reduces the subsequent strain which is placed on knees. A loss of 10 pounds is equal to a 45 pound reduction in the strain on knees. 

Running has also been proved to strengthen the muscles and ligaments which support knees leading to them being stronger and more stable. The overall impact of running long term will therefore be reflected in the stronger joint and skeletal foundation. The mental side effects of the running have also been noted. The long term impact of experiencing a deeper and more restful sleep have been noted for mental health. The significant stress relieving impact of running has also been commonly suggested as a tool for relaxing. When these two factors are combined, the mental benefits of running in the long term become apparent. Overall, running can be seen to have considerable mental and physical benefits to the runner in the long term.

For more quality articles relating to everything health and fitness visit: http://www.yourhealthfiles.com