Race season is here again, and that means more first-timers on the marathon/triathlon circuit. Officials from some of the biggest marathons and triathlons in the country are reporting record numbers of participants, many of whom are first-time competitors. In Philadelphia, for example, around 23,000 participated in the 10-mile Broad Street Run this year; ten years ago, there were about a third of that number. The reason behind these increased numbers could be the growing number of resources available to first-time runners. An industry of books, websites, “e-coaching” programs and DVDs all aimed at the beginning runner has grown over the past several years, all with the promise of helping a rookie achieve his or her best time.