first 5K and it was so much fun! (Read 1256 times)

I ran my first 5K race today! It didn't start out very well. I carpooled with 2 friends of mine and we left later than we should have. We were pulling into the parking lot at 10:55 and the race was scheduled to start at 11:00! Sure enough, we were filling out our forms at the registration table when we heard the starting gun go off. This was a smaller, fund raising event, so they let us get away with registering and starting late. So that's one lesson learned...leave more time than we think we need to get there! We decided, oh well, we'd just run it anyway. So we got to the starting line about 5 mintues after the race had started (and now I really regret not looking carefully at the clock because I don't know my real time)! I couldn't have asked for better weather. 2 days ago it was -18 in the morning...today it was 30 when I left the house, with bright sunshine and no wind. The course started out in a small touristy town and quickly opened up onto a black top through farm fields. I was fuming to myself initially, upset about being late, nervous to begin with about how slow I am and starting late on top of it. I'd been nervous all week...I had two horrible runs this week where everything hurt and I felt like I was getting less fit instead of more. I almost backed out of going to the race multiple times this week. But by the time I got to the sign marking 1K all of that was gone! The sun was warm and the scenery was great, peaceful rolling fields covered with snow. I started out too fast but by the time I saw the 1K sign had found my pace and I was cruising along, loving every second of it. I started to see the walkers ahead of me and slowly, slowly gained on them. The course was out and back, which meant before long I was seeing the leaders coming back past me. It was fun to watch them racing by, working hard. Eventually I passed a few girls I know who were walking the course at a leisurely pace. I was pleased to at least be passing the walkers...one of my secret fears is that I run so slowly I really might as well be walking But it turns out that's not true. As I neared the turn around point the middle of the race pack was passing me on their way back in. I can't even describe the feeling when people would meet my eyes and give me a smile and some encouraging words. I suppose I had the impression from hanging around this website that runners are generally really happy to share their sport and encourage people just starting out. But it just thrilled me to experience it, first hand. The turn around point was the only hilly part of the race, but it was through a pretty little residential cluster with farmhouses and pine trees...plenty to distract me. Coming back on the flat blacktop I was on top of the world...in all my life I would have never pictured myself entering, running, and completing a road race. But here I was. I got to the sign that read 4K and I realized how little of the course was left.....and that was both a relief and a dissapointment! At that point I passed an older woman, power walking the course, and it was great to chat with her about the beautiful weather. I said "This is my first race!" and she responded "Oh! Well, you're doing great!" It was just so sweet. I picked up my pace a little knowing there was less than half a mile left. Looking back I think I could have run the whole thing a little faster than I did! I came back through the finish line and was all smiles, raised my hands in the air for the benefit of the volunteers, haha. I had such a great time. As I walked back towards the post race food and drink my friends (who are both a lot faster than me) met me, one with a cup of water which I was beyond happy to take. I can't believe how much fun I had. I loved the way other runners were so kind and encouraging. I can't wait to do my next 5K (next month)! Any other new runners looking for their first 5K...I would definitely reccomend one with an out and back course...it's just so much fun to see the other runners coming back and everyone's so ready to make sure you are hanging in there. Now I have a RED BAR in my training log!

I suppose I had the impression from hanging around this website that runners are generally really happy to share their sport and encourage people just starting out. Now I have a RED BAR in my training log!

That's been my experience as well, runners is good people. Congrats on your first red bar, here's wishing you many more!

Now I have a RED BAR in my training log!

, you earned it. Congrats.

Wow, that registration was truly "under the gun"! Congrats on your first 5K race and here's to many more (on time) ones! Cheers!

I gotta go find a 5K somewhere this weekend . . . out and back if at all possible . . . Congrats!

Hi, I ran Mt very first 5k ever yesterday and I think i'm hooked on this running thing...My time was 34:50 I don't really train much but I am very active..My parents run a lot and have always encouraged me too be active, My mile runs have usually been around the 10 min mark so I was quite please with myself I only walked once anyway just had to share.

Way to go, Ben! You had a great race! You will be leaving your parents in the dust before long.

Daisy you just got me so excited and jealous at the same time. Congratulations on your first red bar. If you look at my log their is none. :-( Some day I will get to join the likes of you racers. Let us know how your next one goes.

I hope so Daisy. I injured myself coming back from taking time of while being sick. Now I have to wait for my groin to heal. Found out though that riding an exercise bike does not hurt it. So at least I can try to keep my cardio up. April 19th is the race that I was hoping to run. It is still on my calendar. Keep your fingers crossed.