Tell 'em to pull themselves together and get racing... it's great fun. I love the build up to a race, always a little nervous but wouldn't say worried. I always wonder why the hell I'm doing it once the gun has gone and the comfort zone is a distant memory but the post-race sense of achievement (or just the tea and cake if its not been a fab race ) makes it all worthwhile.
I'd suggest you tempt them with a race that offers a really nice goodie bag first, that'll get 'em hooked
JLS
I only run so I can eat cake Oh...and drink cider