From the July 2012 issue of Runner’s World
This and more questions answered
Help! What’s the best strategy to intimidate challengers at the starting line? I face many familiar competitors at local races, and I’m looking for an edge. – RAY M.
The best way to intimidate the competition at local races is to have beaten them in previous local races. Do that, and your mere presence at the starting line will psych them out, even if you’re just standing there staring into the distance. Come to think of it, just standing there staring into the distance might be a little intimidating, too. Yeah. Try that. And if that strategy fails, you could turn that nervous energy inward and focus on your own race (kilometre by kilometre, and all that), not on the competition. Sometimes that’s the best edge of all.
I’m considering tattooing my PB on my foot, but I’ve heard that running may cause it to fade. Surely you know a thing or two about tattoos and can set the record straight. – PAUL H.
Ah, Paul... Personal bests have a way of fading even if they aren’t tattooed. My own PBs, for instance, are distant, fuzzy memories by now. Come to think of it, lots of my memories are distant and fuzzy by now. I think. But back to your question. I don’t have personal experience with tattoos, as I faint at the sight of needles (and tattoo artists). However, I’d reckon that the potential for fading on your foot would be minimal. Unless the tattoo is on the ball of your foot or
something. There’s a bigger question here, though: You sure you want to do this? What if you improve your PB after getting inked? If the needle doesn’t make you faint, that’ll do it.
I’m nervous about my first running date. Any advice before I head out?
Yes! Be polite, take things slow, and try not to blow snot on her shoes. Actually, that’s good advice for any first date.
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