tips from one high school runner to another.

So I figured I would write down some of the wisdom over my years of running. Here goes:
The pre-race basics:

1) Drink a crap-ton of water. No joke, 6 oz. every half hour the day before and a few hours before the race start slowing down so you don't have to pee during the race (BAD, BAD IDEA. (I've had to learn this one the hard way...)) 

2) Eat a small, but hearty/healthy meal the day before. Fish is probably the best thing you could possibly eat, and you could pair it with something else to make it more filling like scallops. Make sure to eat 2 different kinds of veggies, one cooked and one raw (like roasted brussel sprouts and cucumbers.) The day of make sure you eat SOMETHING, but not too much that it will stay in your stomach. Bananas and bagels are my favorite. 

3) VISUALIZE. I know everybody keeps saying that, and I didn't really listen or get it until this year, but visualize your course, how you will push up hills and flats, think about the pain you'll feel and the pain in your chest from breathing so hard and the dizziness in your head from oxygen deprivation. Visualize the end of your race and your kick. What helps me is to think "Who wants it more?" 

During the race:

4) You have to mentally prepare yourself to destroy your opponents. Don't show your pain. Accept it, but don't let them know you're hurting just as much as you. It tricks your mind and your opponent into thinking you're not actually hurting. 

5) Be ruthless. Don't be afraid to push past someone for the better spot in the course. 

6) Last of all, own the race. Not being cocky, but know this is YOUR RACE. You have to know this will be your best race yet.