"Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performances"
Firstly, develop an event or race plan. Talk to your coach or trainer about what specific goals you should have. For example, your fun run: what is your goal time for the 5km? Then work out your goal pace, for example, 6 min per km. Your training over the final few weeks should have a few sessions that mimic the pace and conditions of the actual event.
Olympic athletes often compete in the host city in the months leading up the Olympics. This helps them become accustomed to the area and practice their race plan. Former World 500cc Motorbike Champion Mic Doohan use to ride the circuit focusing on race speed through each separate corner. Once he had practiced the line and intensity for each separate corner he would start to string the corners together till he was at his hot lap speed.
For you this might mean running over part of the course, (i.e. the last 3km) at your goal pace. In doing this you are not only getting use to your goal speed but becoming familiar with the course as well.
Writing down your race plan. Olympic marathoners often write out race notes on a course map. They mark out the aid stations where they will get their drinks. They highlight the hills on the course and write positive affirmations on the map to remind they to stay relaxed and strong. They mark time split for parts of the course e.g. 5km mark in 16min. They review and mentally rehearse the plan in the weeks before the event.
Equipment check list: Proper preparation leaves nothing to chance. Part of this planning also involves all the logistical tasks. These might include the equipment check list for your event, what you are going to have for breakfast, preparing your sports drinks, planning your route to the event and where to park at the race. Planning all these steps means you are not only ready to race but you are reducing your need for anxiety or worry. Performing at your best means proper preparation: happy planning.
Jesus also spoke of this issue. Remember he commented on this in Luke 14 verse 28-33 speaking about building projects and war preparations as illustrations to ensure that anyone who is considering following Him must first weigh up the cost.
A wise builder doesn't lay the foundations unless he know he can finished the job. A King doesn't start a war unless he's sure of a favourable outcome. A marathon runner first does his homework. It's the same question Jesus asks anyone thinking about becoming His follower. It's all a bit daunting and challenging and the rewards are often not tangible, yet they are direction changing and overwhelmingly rewarding.