My First Race

I did it! I ran my first race, the Rothman 8K in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

It was terrifying leading up to it.

It was beautiful. It was amazing. It was thrilling.

 

I am hooked.

 

Let's start with the the anticipation. 

I was excited! I knew I could do the distance as I had run over a mile further than the race.  I  was also terrified.  What do I do?  Where do I go?{ obviously I will be with a huge mass of people and there will be directions, but is there a certain etiquette that I am unaware of?}The night before I could hardly sleep.  It was like I was a child waiting for Christmas morning. I  woke up every hour or 2 checking the time.  The race was early and started at 7:30am.

 

Then I was there, it was amazing.  Sadly I did not take any pictures but the most poignant moment was seeing everyone lined up at Ben Franklin Parkway, approximately midway between the Art Museum and circle.  I stood in the back as I have been averaging a 11min mile {and it also allowed me to observe what others were doing!} The most beautiful site was seeing all runners lined up with city hall in the background. I truly regret not taking a picture.  {next year...although I will hopefully be doing the 1/2 marathon}  It was phenomenal to see all of these people out there to run and walk the 8k {just under 5 miles}  In country that is fiercely battling obesity it is so inspiring to see all of these people out there.  Doing it.  And I even saw some families, and hoped that M will join me one day in a race!

 

I  have gotten pretty good at pacing myself, something I struggled with when I started running.  I had a terrible habit of starting off way too fast because I was so excited to be out!  I ended up running the whole race, with the exception of sipping water, which I attempted to do while running. FAIL!!  So I slowed down, drank a few sips, then continued!  I also ended up getting a average 10:49 mile! The total official time to finish the race was 53:48 :). Which is faster than my estimates from training.  {I attribute this to running with the masses, I am slightly competitive, and having people cheer for you is amazing}  In fact the bibs had our names on it and fans would cheer on the sideline, screaming out your name.  Complete strangers cheering you on.  What a does of happy humanity!

 

Ok, now lets face the facts.  I made some rookie mistakes that I am willing to share with you:

 

1. Don't forget to get safety pins when you pick up your bib! I forget and was on the hunt for literally 20 mins to find a gracious person who had some extra!!  {note taken, will not do this again!}

 

2.  I forgot to take my inhaler.  I did not have an asthma attack, but I did feel tight, and was coughing a lot after the race. I know it hindered my pace, as it makes it more difficult.  But thankfully it was cool so that helped.

 

3.  Next time I'm bringing my own water bottle.  Drinking from cups while running is not for me.

 

Not to bad for my first race.  I can't wait to do the next one!