Well prepared mind can be a great boost to a well prepared body, so let's get that brain that youth training and take a look at the Van Cortlandt court. Van Cortlandt park on race morning could look pretty familiar to you. You may be, never raced here before. The scene have repeated in cross country races all over the world, runners warming up, stretching, lacing up racing shoes, doing wind sprints and of course, looking desperately for a little last minute relief. You know the scene.

What you may not know is that Vanet can be almost as much of a logistical challenge, before the race, as it is an athletic challenge. Here are a few survival tips to keep in mind.

One, this is Gotham, not the Burbs, so if you drive to Van Cortlandt, you will find that parking can be a hassle. Plan to arrive early if you want to find the space and be careful not to park in a toll way zone or maybe your coach should drop you off and circle the branch for a couple of hours until you are done. That's a joke. Arrive early.

Two, food maybe more urban than you like. If you are looking for health food or you have got a favorite free race meal, consider packing it in, otherwise you will take your chances on broad way. The street is broken in a 1000 hearts and stammers.

Three, Van Cortlandt is not an oasis of tranquility. It's a busy place with lots of other sports, most of them reminiscent at the warfare, going on in the area where you warm up. Those burly guys will probably get out of your way when the racing starts but don't count on it. Be prepared to play a little dodge ball and while the cows may be going from Van Cortlandt, horses remain.

A riding academy enstables a near by and there have been confrontations between runners and poor-legged beast over the years. So be careful where you run and where you step and finally back to that desperate search for last minute relief. Bathrooms on the side view, something that you desire. Important part is eliminated. Don't be afraid to join the crowd in the woods. You are a runner, you are a difference. This maybe Cross Country Mega but it's not paradox. Be a good scout. Be prepared.