THE KNOWLEDGE YOU GET FROM RUNNING AS YOU GET OLDER by Shizuka Sunset, Malaysia There seems to be a misunderstanding - that you just line up and take off running as fast as you can, but in fact running is as much mental preparation as it is physical. A lot of thought must be given before you start the race. With time and patience, you can learn about many things that will help you be a great runner. Here are some examples: a. Starting blocks b. Difference in type of spikes and spikes pins c. Different types of tracks d. Different types of clocks e. How to fill out your own registration card for the race f. Watching videos of your race and your opponents, then using the information to your advantage g. Good diet, sport taping and warming up and warming down Knowing your strong points and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponents, can reduce the stress of the race. Dealing with the pressures of the race: 1. The pressures you put on yourself, these are imagined. They do not really exist. 2. Dealing with the pressures put on you by other people. These are very real. Just relax. You will be okay. Most people agree that BRAGGING is not real cool, including me. But this year, I began to understand that what I used to think of as bragging might be one person's way of celebrating doing better than they ever expected, which is harder than doing better than other people thought they would. So in that case bragging, may sometimes be a good thing. So remember there's a fine line between just plain bragging and being overjoyed by the moment. Only you can decide which is which. GOOD LUCK RUNNING! Also to all runners whose birthdays are in September, like mine, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! About the photo: The photo above is from Langkawi Island, Malaysia, December 31, 2000, the New Millennium sunset. My family went there for vacation and had dinner at the palace. My mother took this picture. She is a very good photographer. Comment from Shizuka: My mother said I have become a teenager now, one year older and hopefully one year wiser. It is time to start growing up now into a young lady from a little girl. Carol's Note: I invited Shizuka to write a kid's column for kidsrunning.com. Though I have never met Shizuka in person (she lives in Japan), I get to know her a little more each time she writes to me, for she writes from her heart. Thank you to Shizuka's mother for helping her with this piece. LINKS The Struggles of a Running Season Kids Web from Japan This is a really cute and informational kids' Web site. Make sure to check out "What's Cool in Japan". ...at the track. Privacy Policy of Kids Running