Pace Yourself when Running

This page tells you how to pace yourself when running. Follow these rules to become a racing champion.

Steps

Before racing, make sure you've eaten a light meal a few hours before or chomp down on a banana or anything low in carbohydrates. Some sustenance is essential, but too much will cause cramps and pain.
Stretch before you run. Knead away pain and stress from your muscles with hard stretching.
When the race begins start off at a normal race pace, which is faster than a jog but slower than a sprint. Just because people are ahead of you at the beginning doesn't mean they'll be there at the end.
Keep your elbows out and don't let other people shove you.
Relax and stay calm. Control your breathing, taking shallow breaths with your lips relaxed. Breath with your abdomen, not your chest.
Keep your eyes straight forward. Do your best not to look at the people next to you. Imagine you are a horse with blinders- you can only see what is directly ahead of you.
Concentrate. Keep your mind focused on two things- "Run, breathe. Run, breathe. Run, breathe." Everything else can wait for the race to be done.
Once you are about 300-100m (900-300ft) away from the finish line, sprint to the end. Again, eyes forward. For more speed, lean your torso forward. Again, your breaths should be shallow and your lips should be relaxed; breathe with your abdomen, not your lungs.
Avoid talking to any people. Only move what's necessary. Don't wave to anyone. This will also make it more difficult for you to concentrate.

You will notice at the beginning everyone shoots off fast. Don't worry about them; this will slow down and you will be able to overtake them.

You know your own body. Don't push yourself too far because you could hurt yourself or get sick, but still try to challenge yourself.