Etiquette for Runners on Race Day

     To continue our race week extravaganza of posts, I figured a little basic etiquette would be great!  A lot of it is common sense, but running your first race can be a little daunting, especially if you're like I was in our first 5k (I was so afraid I would "mess someone up" or be in the way).  Hopefully these tips will help you feel a little less intimidated-- remember, everyone had a first race at some point!

I laughed at this a little too hard, but it was worth sharing!

1.  ALWAYS read the race rules ahead of time! Sometimes a race will allow strollers or dogs, sometimes they won't.  The race guide that is on the race website, or sent to you via mail, email, or inside your packet will have all of that information.  It's usually short, but you should read over them to make sure you know!

2. Make sure your race bib is really visible!  This is for race officials (and photographers, if there is one at your event!) and your friends and supporters.  Just pin it to the front of your shirt (around the tummy) or your shorts if you feel more comfortable with it there-- just make sure it's in front!

3.  If you are on a team, try not to run/ walk more than 2 abreast-- so others can pass by without having to move through or swerve a lot!

4.  Speaking of swerving, don't needlessly run from one side of the course to the other.

5. Sometimes bodily functions happen-- if you need to spit, blow your nose, or heaven forbid throw up, move to the side (or as close as possible in the last case) and as out of the way as possible.

6. Always say "thanks!" or at least nod and smile to the volunteers and others helping with the races-- they are working hard too, and deserve some joy from you!

7. Don't stop right at the finish line-- people are coming in behind you.  If the race is not timed electronically, don't get out of the order you came through in either!  You can take photos and celebrate in a safe area away form the finish line.

8. If there is food and water at the finish, don't pig out-- the people at the back of the pack will really appreciate having some refreshments left!

9. If at all possible, don't keep your keys  or loose change in your pocket (which will jingle constantly!).  A lot of people aren't appreciative of this.

10.   If you know you will be walking or running much slower, don't line up at the very front where the fast runners are-- it can cause chaos.  If you're unsure, ask someone next to you their pace, and if it's much faster, then drop back a little.  No harm in it, and you may pass more people than you think!

     It's almost here!  I bought 2 disposable point and click cameras today to take this weekend, that way we won't be worried about phones or digital cameras getting dusty.  Everyone on the team is coming in the night before, and we're all going to dinner!  And yes, I have already started packing and gotten my outfit together and the like...I'm one of those "excited so I'll keep myself busy by packing" people!

      Tomorrow morning we're due for a (very) early morning training run-- just a short one, but wish us luck, as we are NOT usually morning folks!  

What tips do you have for a first time racer?  What pet peeves do you have with "new" runners? Are you guilty of any of these?  Talk to me about it!