Here are some tips:
1) Schedule your big race first. By setting my goal race first, I can plan races leading up to my race and use them as training races.
2) Don’t schedule too many races too close together especially if your body is not ready for it or hasn’t recovered from the last race.
3) Pick a variety of distances. Now that I am a marathoner, I like to throw in a few shorter distances to keep my body challenged.
4) Run for fun. I know that’s what we’re supposed to be doing, right? But listen we all get caught up with numbers and PRs so why not step back and just run a fun run or a charity run with friends? Leave the Garmin at home.
5) Schedule rest and recovery times. I like to take time off after my fall races to hit reset on my body (and heal from nagging injuries). I also like to give myself a week or so off depending on the distance of the last race before I start training again.
6) Allow enough time to train properly. Don’t just jump into racing without a proper training schedule.
7) Register early. Sometimes all it takes is knowing you dropped $50 to keep motivated. Plus you usually can save some $$$ and you don’t want to risk the race selling out.