Hey there! I hope everyone is doing well. How is it that it is Tuesday again? Don’t the days go by fast? I am feeling better which is a good time. No one has time to get sick, right? Now let’s continue with our fun topic this week.
This week’s Tuesday Topic: What was your first race? You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
This topic brought so many fun memories. I started running in the summer of 2005. I remember I was downtown and saw a much older man running. I told myself that if he could run then so could I. I signed up with CARA for a beginner’s class but somehow did not complete it because I signed up again. Haha! I remember the goal was to run for 30 minutes but I “only” made it to 28 minutes. Still I was pleased with how I did. The next year is when I signed up for the Chicago Marathon.
I didn’t know anything about running. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I did it anyway. A friend from work was also a runner and he would tell me to run too. I said “No” and that I wouldn’t/couldn’t even run a mile. Ha, if only he could see me now. 🙂
Anyway, back to the topic. My first race was the Tinley Turkey Trot 5K on November 12, 2005. I don’t remember how or why I signed up. Honestly, I don’t remember this race AT ALL. When I was writing this post, I thought my first race was a different one and that one I do remember a bit more. Now I am wondering if I was even there at all. Athlinks says I was and finished in 39:48.
Since then I’ve run many more 5Ks and many more races. Each one has been a different experience and I have learned so much throughout the years.
√ The right pair of shoes make a big difference.
√ Not every race will be a great race not will every run be a great run.
√ The right gear also makes a big difference.
√ It is OK to miss a few runs. Don’t sweat about it.
√ Sleep is important. No matter what, you need to sleep and rest.
√ It’s OK to run with no goal in mind. Just run.
√ Don’t compare yourself to others.
√ Listen to your body.
√ Be flexible. You can plan, plan, and plan, but sometimes something happens to mess up said plan.
√ Anyone can run a marathon. I didn’t think I could and I did. I’ve run 8 of them! The most difficult thing about training for it is the time commitment.
√ Everyone has their own accomplishments. Of course be happy for others but most importantly be happy with yours.
√ Chafing sucks. Taking a shower afterwards is just as painful or worse.
√ A cold beer after a race on a hot day tastes delicious. Not so much on a cold day.
√ Running is a hobby. Don’t get too serious about it. If a run or race didn’t go as expected, life goes on. 🙂
What was your first race? Have you run this race again?
23 responses to “Tuesday Topics: My first race”
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Some good tips! I don’t remember my first race either but I do remember my first marathon in 2003. It was a disaster! I had no clue what I was letting myself in for. I thought if I run a few 20k here and there I’ll be fine for 42k. Haha! I paid for my naive approach big time!
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I am sure that first marathon has paved the way for more and positives ones too. Marathons are hard. There is no sugarcoating it.
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Sadly, I don’t remember my first race–it was that long ago! But it was probably a 5k in Chicago somewhere–the zoo? Like Catrina, I remember my first marathon and it was a disaster too. Fortunately, there’s always the next race and we get a chance to redeem ourselves.
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Maybe Run for the Zoo?
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I do remember vividly. A local 5k.
Great tips especially anyone CAN run a marathon. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t take it so seriously.
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I guess I say that about the marathon because someone told me that when I was thinking and doubting about running the Chicago Marathon. I called a friend and that is what she told me. Now I truly believe it. It is time consuming and a lot of hard work but it is possible. I think I am a point in my life where I need to stop worrying so much about races/running. I mean I have a few PRs I am after this year but I also need to have fun and let things go. Running to me is a hobby and not my job.
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Agree totally
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Such good advice, do not compare yourself to others and not every race is a great race. My first race was a 10k and honestly I hated it, I didn’t know anyone there and I felt like it was a waste of money. Years later my 2nd race was a 5k with my inlaws and it was a blast and I’ve been hooked ever since. The biggest difference b/w my first race and today is that it’s never lonely anymore, runners are friendly people and we all have so much in common.
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I am glad you went back to race again after your first one. We’ve all been there.
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My first 5k was even slower, but I do remember at least some of it!
These are all such great tips. I agree that almost anyone can run any distance, but the time has to be right, too. 🙂
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You still win. I don’t even remember mine.
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I often think of going back to the event where I ran my first race. It’s in April, and for many years, the dates never worked with my schedule (umm…dance recital stuff, prom committee obligations, etc.). I need to consider running it this year…if the event still exists LOL
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Yes, check it out! I just checked out my first race and it still exists. I mean, I think it is the same one.
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I honestly do not remember my first race! Sounds like you learned a lot after your first race and all of those things still apply.
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We always learn new things.
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So many great lessons – especially don’t compare yourself to others!
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Makes sense but so hard to do. I blame it on social media.
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My first race was in 1999. I’m the one who overthinks everything and shows up over prepared. I Googled what would Deena Kastor wear and got myself a whole getup from Brooks. Haha!
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Well, it something is good and works for Deena, then we must get it.
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I like your last tip about running being fun and not to take it too seriously. I always try to keep that in mind when I get frustrated with running.
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To me running is a hobby and not my job. I need to stop worrying so much about races/running. I mean I have a few PRs I am after this year but I also need to have fun and let things go.
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My first road race was the Twin Bridge Volkslauf Fredericksburg Heritage Festival 8K on Independence Day way back in 1980. I moved away from Fredericksburg a year later and have no idea if that race is still held or not.
Great tips, and yes, we certainly do learn a lot about ourselves through running!
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Wouldn’t it be fun to run your first race again? I checked out mine and it looks like it still happening.