Comments on: Do not let your first race intimidate you

By: Colby

Colby — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:07:30 +0000

Point 2 – You will not want to waste your registration fee was my motivation to complete my 18 weeks of training. My first race was the San Diego Marathon…now that I look back I think it was a little ambitious of me to run a marathon as my first race.

Also, if you register early the registration fee is sometimes lower.

By: SimoneM

SimoneM — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:02 +0000

Great article. I was a long-distance runner in high school and have only got back into the sport in the last few years. I’ve yet to take it anywhere more serious than the treadmill or the hills round my house. Your points, and the feedback from the other commentators here, is giving me some food for thought! S.

By: Gubernatrix

Gubernatrix — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:47:53 +0000

Couldn’t agree more! Preparing for and running a race gives purpose to all that trotting around the local park in all weathers. Suddenly you are part of a community and a shared endeavour.

I recommend racing even if you’ve no particular ambitions in the sport. You’ll either develop ambitions through racing or just have a good time!

By: Free From Broke

Free From Broke — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:29:24 +0000

Great advice. It wasn’t until I ran my first race that I knew I would be able to finish one. There’s so many people there the only one you are really competing with is yourself. I ran my first race about 2 1/2 yrs ago (5 miler) and recently finished the NYC marathon. It was an experience of a life time!

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:12:39 +0000

When I use somebody’s photograph from Flickr, I like to let them know. Joe Shlabotnik responded to my message with some more advice that I agree with and thought that I would pass along:

:: Re: Caution: Running Race in Progress photo usage

Thanks much for letting me know!

One other point of advice to new runners I’d share (if I may…) – Don’t worry that people are going to think you’re too slow. There are all sorts of abilities at these events, and as long as you show up, you belong there!

(And in races where there are thousands of competitors – 3000 is small for a race in Central Park – don’t worry, you’re not going to come in last!)