Q&A for How to Prepare for a Track Meet

To stay lean and fit, be sure you strength-train at least twice per week. At the end of your workouts, try doing sprint exercises to improve your agility.

While running, you should breath in through your nose and out through your mouth; this will help prevent cramps. Your breathing is very important while running -- you need to get oxygen into your body so you don't pass out. Focus on long, steady breaths.

It is perfectly normal to be nervous before your first meet. To help calm your nerves, close your eyes, breath in deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Shake your arms and legs to get the jitters out.

Stretch it out. Make sure that you stretch before and after the meet. Jump around a little and keep your legs moving; it will help it hurt less.

No, it isn't. You could get cramps, which will affect you for the worst and you won't be able to run. Sugar may also give you diarrhea and a need to stop during running. Stick to healthy foods with plenty of long-burning energy release.

Yes, but be careful. You want to eat enough food to fill you up and give you some energy, but you don't want to eat so much that you get sick when you run. I would recommend maybe some eggs and toast or a bowl of oatmeal.

If you are talking about a 100m, you shouldn't jog at the end unless you are super tired (in that case you should be running and practicing more often). If it is a 200m, you should still sprint it all out. A 400m race is different -- you should sprint the first 50m, but then you should start to coast and try to maintain that speed before sprinting again in the last 100m.

Yes, you should because you don't want a full bladder before the race. It makes you uncomfortable. Just make sure you go in plenty of time before the race so as not to miss the race!

Try other races and don't give up. If you only sprint, consider talking to a trainer or a coach about working up to that point.

Pace yourself. Everyone else will probably sprint at the start of the race and tire themselves out. If you start slowly, you will have enough energy to sprint at the end.

Slower runners can win long races if they build up their stamina.

It depends on your event. In the 100m and 200m, you have to sprint all the way. In the 400m, sprint at the start for about 75m, and then keep a fast jog until the last 100m, where you sprint your hardest. In the longer races (800-1500m), you should keep an easy-paced jog most of the way, and sprint at the end. For field events, like long jump and triple jump, you're better off sprinting, but it can be hard to get your footing right.

Make sure you put your mark down before actually competing. Also, get your run-through in so you know that you are prepared. Lastly, do some strides and practice a few pop-ups into the pit. Make sure you are well-stretched.

It's basically an extended long jump, where you combine the length of three consecutive jumps.

Say, "I only have 100 to go, then I'm done." When you get through that 100 say that again (trust me it will work). Also, think about things not related to track so you will get your mind of it.

Just keep practicing. Keep at it, and, in time, you will improve.

Don't worry too much. It's good to have a rest day and take a break every now and again. Just be sure to warm up thoroughly so your muscles are ready for the race.

Try out lots of events to see which you like best. Attend every practice, and ask the coach or your team members for advice and help if you need it. You should also watch how others compete in the event you choose in order to pick up tips. Exercise so that you are in your best shape, and remember to eat healthy and get enough sleep.

Do your best. Try to eat a healthy dinner the night before and get enough rest. It's okay if you haven't had a ton of time to practice or train. Relax yourself and let go of your nerves. Compete to the best of your abilities.

Yes, you should stretch and warm up regardless of which event you will be competing in. It is important to loosen up your muscles and get them ready to run.

You could start by practicing hurdles in general. Stretch your legs, but don't stretch too much -- you just want to stretch enough to where your legs are ready for running.

Pace yourself throughout the day. Do your best on each event, but try not to wear yourself out. Drink water and have an energy gel or snack between the events. If possible, try to sign up for a fewer number of events if you feel as though you are too tired to give your best in each.

You should wear your uniform if you have one. Otherwise, active wear would be a good choice.

To practice for a Shot-put, take an 8 pound ball, then step, step, push, and mark where you landed. Repeat this process and strive to better your distance.

You should practice the pole vault. You can also exercise or lift weights to get your body in top shape for competing.

Practice the steps and footing. Don't make your muscles sore by practicing too much; this will limit your stepping ability.

Start easy, then increase your speed mid-race.

A dynamic warmup will prevent injuries during a race, so it should never be skipped. The more stretching you do, the better you will perform, so if you can stretch both the night before and day of, you will feel great.

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You can break it down as follows: For the first 150m, sprint, for the next 250m, jog at a good pace, next 100m, run at a slow sprint, next 100m, fast jog and finally, sprint the next 200m with everything left.