I don't have much to say this week, training is going good, the weather is nice (actually a little warm & humid for me, but it'll change back soon), and I'm heading into my last long run before the B and A Marathon.

As I wondered if the weather will be favorable (35 - 40 degrees is perfect for me) on March 2, I started thinking that I've developed some habits on race day. I'll list them here, but I'm not suggesting that you follow any of them.

Rule #1: Never wear the shirt they give for the race until you've finished the race. I use this as my reward for finishing a race.

Rule #2: Never wear another race's shirt in the race you are running. I follow this one for a couple of reasons. One, I like to keep people guessing, if I see someone at a 10K race that is wearing a marathon shirt, I know they are an experienced runner, vice-versa, if I see someone in a 5K shirt lined up at a marathon, I think "better not pace off this guy, it's his first marathon". The other reason is, I would like the people who organized the race I'm running to think that their race is the most important race. It's like showing up to baseball game with a jersey from another team, other than the two teams that are playing, i.e. I'd rather be at a Yankees game, but I'm sitting here watching the Braves vs. Nationals just because it's local.

Rule #3: Never sprint past people at the finish line. If someone is slowing dramatically, I will pass them, but if they are holding their pace, I won't try to nip them at the line. I compete against the clock, & if I pace myself correctly, I shouldn't have the energy to sprint at the end of the race. Sprinting at the end is a great way to injure yourself.

Rule #4: Always ask "How did you do?", not "What was your time?" after the race. Most people will tell you their time, but you'll likely to get better conversation with the first question over the second.

Rule #5: Try to thank as many people involved with organizing the race as possible (even if you didn't have a good race). I try to say thanks to all the course marshalls, police, and water stop volunteers that are out on the course. If it's a well organized race, I'll try to find the race director & thank them, or send them an email afterwards. It is a lot of work to put on a race, & most of the time, it's done by volunteers.

There you have it, my 5 rules to race by.

The 30th Annual Ashland Railroad Run is coming up fast (March 15,2008). We're hoping for a record crowd this year, so come out & run or cheer on the runners (or even better volunteer to help). Infomation & registration at www.hanoverarts.com. The Ashland Track Club is holding practice for kids who are planning to run the 1 mile & 5K. The practices are every Sunday at 3:00 at the Gandy Track. If you have a kid that might want to run, come on out & join us.

After this weekend, I'll begin tapering (cutting back on my distance & intensity) for the marathon. I always tell people, "I'm an average runner, but a world-class taperer";>). Pray for good weather on March 2!

See ya on the streets,
Tom