I saw this image posted on Facebook recently and it's so true! I have a hard decision to make this coming Thursday - should I run on Thanksgiving morning or should I wake up, put on my stretchy pants and start the eating and drinking first thing? Or maybe, I'll run first, then put on my stretchy pants and go forth into my day of food and beverage?
Either way, I do know a lot of folks who will be running in a Turkey Trot this week (and some that will be supporting from the sidelines or "there in spirit" from the comfort of their own house). Some of you running will be running in your first organized race! Congrats!
That got me thinking about my very first 5k. If you have read "Starting to Run", you know that my first 5k was about as epic of a disaster as it could have been. I did not really train, and remember, my first 5k was before we had the internet in our pocket (it was definitely before I had a smart phone - thank goodness no pictures for proof!). I really didn't know anything. All I knew was to show up, follow my friends to the start of the race, run 3.1 miles, finish, and then go drink beer. How hard can it be?
My first race was the Komen Race for the Cure 5k in Washington, DC. I do not know how many people ran in that race, but it seemed monumental - thousands and thousands. It might have been hundreds. Either way, it was crowded. I couldn't see the start line. I just assumed I was in the right place in a corral full of people that was reminiscent of being penned up like cattle. When the race started, we were not running; more like shuffling towards and through the start line because of the number of people. Then a thought occurred to me. "I don't really know the course." I had no idea what the course was, just figured I would follow the people; and I did, for an excruciating 3.1 miles that seemed like it would never end.
It is safe to say that because I did not really know anything and had not trained, I didn't really have race day jitters. When I started running more, signing up for more races, the race day jitters started coming, and they haven't stopped, even twenty years since that first 5k.
For those who are running their first races (or maybe you have several under your belt!), here is a compilation of my top advice for getting through those pre-race jitters.
Make a Plan: Since my first few official races, I now make time to really familiarize myself with the course. I don't always have the benefit of being able to check out the course on foot (or car) ahead of time, but course maps are usually available online, along with elevation maps. This helps me make a plan for where the harder parts of the route might be, where I might want to slip in a walk break, and where I might need to be mindful of my pace. From there I chart out my pace along the route and work to commit that to memory, or put a cheat sheet on my arm that I hope doesn't sweat off (see below from the Marine Corps Ultra!). There are also race day temporary tattoos you can get that have pacing, but I am usually making adjustments up until race day based on weather. Having a plan for how you will tackle the course will help you focus on being reserved in the beginning and when fatigue starts to set in later in the race.
Slow Down at the Start: This is probably the absolute hardest thing to do. Your adrenaline is up, the excitement of the crowd gets you swept away, and the race starts. You feel amazing! How many times have I started a race WAY too fast and then run out of gas for the later miles? Too many to count is the answer. My last race this October was the first time that I really remember consciously going "whoa" just about a quarter of a the mile in the race. I started out too fast, but luckily realized it and brought my pace back down to my goal. Good thing, too! I needed some gas in the tank for the end of that race.
Have Fun! Last, but probably the most important, is have fun! Enjoy the sights, the people, the runner community, the spectators, and remember to take it all in. My favorite race experiences have been the ones where I actually stopped to enjoy the moment, took pictures, danced with the on course entertainment and just had a good time. If you are going for a certain pace, definitely do that too, but try to always have fun working towards your goal.
Happy Turkey Trotting, Jingle Jogging, or whatever other race you might be doing. And if you decide to do mimosas instead of a run, no judgement here!
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