The First Time
Deciding to sign-up for your first road race is a true turning point onto the road of addiction for many runners. I remember my first 5k. Thankfully, I do not have any photos from that day. I imagine my tiny 13-year-old self wearing umbros, a tie-die t-shirt, no sports bra (where they even invented by then) and basketball sneakers.
I don’t remember the outcome of that 5k, but I remember how I felt at the start line. Filled with nervous excitement and a twinge that I didn’t belong there, I instantly fell in love with a larger running community.
If you haven’t ran a race before, but run for fitness or have been thinking about signing up for your first race, do it already (just don’t wear umbros and I highly suggest wearing a sports bra!)
It’s story time in the comment section today! If you didn’t get a chance to share the story of your first race on Facebook yesterday, share it in the comment section because nothing is quite like the first time!
I ran my first 5K in 2009 as part of the YAI for Central Park Challenge. I was 25 and had no idea what I was getting into – I was out of shape (badly) and didn’t train at all. I did a combo of walk/jog and while I finished like 50 mins later, I loved that feeling of accomplishment. I ignored the 70 year old man breezing past me, haha. Fast fwd 3 years later and I am a member of the NYRR and my goal is to run next year’s marathon! Wahoo!
The Venice Beach Christmas 5K. I remember being late!! Fueling with a banana in the parking lot and then heading out onto the course. It was such a frenzy that I don’t remember even being nervous. I ran it with all my heart and actually have a pretty decent time. Surprisingly enough, that is still the only 5 K I have ever ran.
Goodness, my first race was the monument ave 10k here in Richmond, VA. It’s known nationally because it’s considered one of the most FUN 10ks around. More than 45,000 people were running. I remember being VERY nervous, mostly of all the people. And I also remember starting off too fast & leaving my friend (oops!). The rest was just a whirlwind of DOZENS of live bands along the route. It was so entertaining and so much fun that I barely knew where the time went! I don’t actually realllly enjoy running anymore (since I found my soulmate workouts), BUT I’m signed up for that race again this year simply because it was wonderful!
Ah, you’re first story is great, but I guess kind of makes me sore, lol. What an inspiring question full of amazing comments. great post!
I did 5K’s when I was younger & in my first little race, I placed – best feeling ever!
I love hearing about people’s first race stories, especially since I have my first one coming up at the end of May! I’ll be running a 10k and I’m looking forward to it, but definitely quite a bit nervous. It’s always good to hear positive stories
I ran the Runyon 5k at Yankee stadium last year with my family. As a New Yorker and Yankees fan it was incredible to get to run the stadium and have my image on the jumbo tron as I ran around the field. For me it was a big deal to simply run, and to do it for 3.1 miles. Growing up I hated running– doing the mile run for gym class was absolute torture. I now have a totally different view on running. I can’t wait to participate again this August in the 5k and am now hoping to start training for even bigger events.
I am not a runner but I just signed up for a 10 mile obstacle course. I think I am pretty fit but I really need to start running because I do almost everything but that. I love working out (biking, weights, crossfit, etc) but I find it really hard to enjoy running. I’m going to make another attempt at it though.