Last Minute Tips For A Strong Finish

A lot goes into preparing for a running event. It doesn't matter what the distance. You prepped, you trained, you metally prepared. This last thing you want is to let something small ruin all that hard work.

Here are some last minute tips, for beginners and veterans alike, to make sure that your celebrity status is ready for the red carpet (in no particular order.)

1. Stick to your plan. Your adrenaline is going to be pumping the morning of your event. It is going to be tempting to shoot out of your corral faster than normal. For me, a follower of the Galloway method, I always feel good enough to run the first three miles at least. But don't. Watch your pacing and stick to how you trained.

2. Try out your costume. One of the best parts of running the Hollywood Half event is dressing up as your favorite super star. Don't wait until the big day to try on your costume. Whether it is a new boa, a hat or tiara, or simply a new pair of shorts, try them on before the race. Even better, run in your costume at least once. Too tight clothes, chafing or rubbing can absolutely ruin a race. Don't forget to lay out all your clothes the night before. This will save you hunting for your left running shoe on race morning.

3. Take it easy the day before. I know it is tempting to take a last mintue run the day before the race but fight the urge. Take it easy on your legs and your mind by doing something relaxing. Chances are you will be too excited to sleep so your body will need all the rest it can get.

4. Skip the pasta party. Unless you are used to gorging on pasta, the carb loading dinner can cause havoc on your stomach. Have a big lunch the day before and then stick to a well-balanced, light dinner the night before. You will be nervous enough on race day as it is without having to worry about food-related stomach issues.

5. Bring a throwaway shirt and/or gloves. It can be cold that early in the morning. Waiting in the corrals can get chilly and your body needs to reserve the energy for running. Find an old shirt or gloves to wear and toss on the course. Don't have one? Go to a sporting good store and ambush the clearance rack. Or cut some holes out of a grarbage bag and wear that. It doesn't matter what you look like and when you feel warmed up around mile two or three, just toss the apparel to the side. Many events will donate tossed clothes after the race.

Victor Diaz finishes strong in 2012

6. Go easy on hydration right before the race. As soon as you wake up, start hydrating. Stop drinking about an hour before the race time. You want to be hydrated but you do not want to be sitting in your corral having to go to the bathroom. Because I worry about hydration, I overdid it at my last half marathon. I used the bathroom twice before start time and then went on the course at least four times. It totally messed up my time goal.

7. Have fun! You have worked too hard for this day to not have fun. If you are anything like me, you have a time goal hovering over you like an annoying mosquito. If you can, just push it out of the way. You are running the Hollywood Half Marathon. There is entertainment, cameras everywhere, and plenty of celebs like Victor Diaz, Andrea Baraber, and Titus Welliver. You came a long way to miss out on the aspects that make these runs so special.

Good luck to all of  your red carpet participants! Have a great race!