Active Community: Message List - Thinking about signing up for my first race...

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

zookeeperrunning — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:48:24 GMT

Teri,

Well, my husband is not going to be able to be home for the race I was hoping to sign up for in January...So it looks like march will be my first race. I believe it is March 29th. As soon as he get's the ok from his driver manager on that weekend, which he should, I will get myself registered right away, and post it, so you will all know. He will be able to let me know within the next two weeks about that weekend in March! I was really looking forward to it being in January!! We tried finding one for February, but no luck there since he has to be home the last weekend of February for our daughter's 2nd birthday, and there are no races that weekend, and he is only able to make it home one weekend a month. So it look's as though it will be the end of March!

KEEP ON RUNNING!!

Carey

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

teri dacto — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:36:32 GMT

So Carey, have you set your sites on a race yet? Let us know~~!

Teri

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

zookeeperrunning — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:25:25 GMT

runningnavywife,

WOW! Thank you so much for your very thoughtful post! It is so great to hear what you and your sister are doing, along with your husband and friend!! What an awesome way to bond with each other!! Thanks again for the vote of confidence!!

KEEP ON RUNNING!!

Carey

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

zookeeperrunning — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:15:07 GMT

polynesian_metal,

You said it all in that one sentence...Honestly never thought about it in that way! Thank you!!

KEEP ON RUNNING!!:)

Carey

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

zookeeperrunning — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:11:49 GMT

Kelly,

Thank you for your kind response...It was nice to read! All of the posts everyone is sending have all been so thoughtful!! And most importantly is teaching me that the race will ultimately be about me racing against myself, and my own fears, no one else. Once I prove to myself that I can do it, I just may be fine! You have all been so supportive to me, and I truly appreciate it!!

KEEP ON RUNNING!!

Carey

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

runningnavywife — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:49:02 GMT

Carey,

You are a runner. And I can guarantee you nobody will look at you and say (or think) anything different. You don't have to win the race or finish in the top 5 to have accomplished something that you should be proud of. Just over a year ago, I started running one race per month with my sister, another friend and my husband. While my friend and my husband rock the times, my sister and I do not have "great" times compared with the other competitors - we've rarely finished in the top half of our age group. However, we always improve our times, and we get through the races together - it's been an amazing bonding experience. That's something that makes us both very proud.

What you should keep in mind is that many of the races will be filled with people who have no intention to run - they are there to walk, to raise funds for their favorite cause, or to promote their favorite group. Those peoploe will look at you as the running superstar that you are, no matter where you finish. And if that isn't enough encouragement, find a local race where your husband can bring out your kids to watch. Have them line up near the finish line, to be there to cheer you on as you get near the end. When you see them cheering proudly, you'll know what an accomplishment it is and will NEVER be scared to race again.

Best wishes for a successful first race!

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

polynesian_metal — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:02:03 GMT

No one here is going to tell you not to. Think about how inspiring you running in a race is going to be to your kids.

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

crl8686 — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 23:22:46 GMT

Well-organized races often get taken for granted, while poorly organized ones get noticed....may be human nature, perhaps. But the best way to find out if a race is well organized is to ask someone who ran it recently (perhaps someone on this forum has done so?) Also if the registration process goes smoothly, the information you need is on the race website, and there is a reputable company doing the race timing, those are also good signs.

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

KDuep — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:09:31 GMT

Carey,

I look to people like you for inspiration. I don't run as much as you do and I plan to do a 5K on December 14th. I am doing the races for fun and I am not a good runner by any means, but I am improving. I had not run since high school and was inspired by a friend at work. She has made an amazing tranformation in the past year and is running half marathons at a decent pace, in my opinion. I never thought I could do it but I saw her drive and determination and relized that I could do the same, and started a walk/run training plan that I found here. The 5Ks I have participated in made me feel good just to be there and I did the best I could. I am setting a goal now with each one I plan to attend. Meeting my personal goals has been so uplifting. My family was so proud of me this Thanksgiving holiday. It was so nice to get compliments.

Be proud! Enjoy your race. You are an inspiration.

Thank you,

Kelly

Re: Thinking about signing up for my first race...

zookeeperrunning — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:28:54 GMT

Joel,

I have to admit I am definitely my own worst enemy, but it is something I have been working on since I started running again this year!! I have become more aware of my inner-self, and am beginning to address past issues I have allowed to follow me into my adult years!! Running is such a great release, and a big help with becoming more aware of who I am, and who I want to become!! Thank you for your support, it means a lot!!

KEEP ON RUNNING!!

Carey