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.

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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.

2005 Tinley Turkey Trot

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?

Tuesday Topics

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23 Comments on Tuesday Topics: My first race

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

    • 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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. 🙂

  6. 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

  7. 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!

    • 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.

  8. 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!

Thank you for your comment!