First Race Ever - Catch the Bug 5/10k!! (Read 450 times)

Well, I have now officially completed by first 5k race! I started the C25K program on March 7th, and three months later on June 8th I can say I have run my first race. The Catch The Bug race is a small local 5k and 10k in support of our local Police Department. The money raised goes to local at risk kids and police programs for them, etc. The field was small with only about 130 total for both runs. My 5k field was tiny with only 25 runners, so it was a good introduction to figure out how races work and what I was supposed to do, etc. I picked up my race package (technical tee) and looked around a bit, watched the kids 1k fun run which was entertaining, and then checked out the start area. I lined up and we followed the old school police "bug" for the first little while and then I got into my normal pace and kept on running. I am not overly fast and was getting passed by many of the other runners, especially the 10k folks who were quicker, but I wasn't too concerned with finish time, and just was hoping to run a sub 30 min race. The weather was pretty standard for the local, coastal area of my home town, with fog and overcast skys - temperature about 15 celcius. Nice and cool for a run. I enjoyed my run, and was excited to see things like KM markers and water/aid tables, as well as police blocking traffic, none of which I have on my normal training runs. Foolish to think such basic things are common for everyone else, but it was neat for me to see them as I went. I ran a solid pace and finished up in 26:27, which I was very pleased with. It was great to see my wife and parents and 20 month old son at the finish line!!! it was a good feeling seeing the big clock and fiinsh chute and all of the people cheering you in. The race was small, but everyone was very supportive and friendly - a really nice community. Now I have a race under my belt and I need to figure out what is next. Some other local runners are convincing me to try training for the Marathon By the Sea Half Marathon, but that may be a bit of a stretch for me! All in all, a great day and I enjoyed it.

What a great idea for a race! Very cute! Good job. I got teary eyed thinking about my first race-- I had many of the same thoughts as you. It's a great feeling to see your family cheering you on... especially those little ones! I have a 3 year old and now 16 month old. The 3 year old was so excited to see me running, he made the whole thing worth it. Congrats! --Anna

Yeeha! Looks like it was easy, colinw. And FAST!

In Boston it's hotter than the surface of the sun, so I can't even begin to tell you how good those conditions sound to me. What a great way to start racing, congrats! Pick up a frame for bib #1604 and write the results on the back. You could even print out this thread, and tuck it under the backing. I bet you won't be able to look at it without smiling. It's just the beginning, hopefully you'll be writing up lots of race reports for years to come.

Congratulations! Great job and looks like you had a great time!