Your first marathon should not be your first race.

"Participating in an organized event before the first marathon is vital," said Dr. John Cianca, medical director of the 1998 Methodist Health Care Houston Marathon. "Whether or not you 'race' the event isn't the issue. It's getting comfortable being in the race setting and having other runners around you."

Entering a few races before the target marathon gives you a closer feel for what marathon race day is going to be like and what the race situation is all about. "This is an important part of marathon training, especially for someone who's never entered a major marathon before," he said. "Encountering hundreds or even thousands of people on the starting line the morning of the marathon can be an intimidating experience."

Cianca says running in races before the marathon, even though they are usually much shorter, can help you handle the jitters that are bound to show up prior to the race. And while pre-marathon racing is helpful in getting you emotionally ready for your marathon effort, it can also be beneficial physically.

"Racing periodically before your marathon is a good gauge to show you how your training is progressing," said Cianca. "But keep in mind that the marathon is your ultimate goal. Don't get so caught up in racing that you lose focus on completing the marathon."

During the course of a six-month buildup for the marathon, racing once a month is sufficient.

Cianca, in his first year as marathon medical director, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He is also medical director of the Human Performance Center in Greenway Plaza and a consulting staff physician at The Methodist Hospital. Cianca specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries and will coordinate all medical aspects of the 1998 Methodist Health Care Houston Marathon, scheduled for Jan. 18,1998.