Who knew running could change your life? Here's 10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before My First Race!
Hi friends,
Eight years ago this month I ran my first race... a small community 5K. I signed up simply to spend time with friends that were also running.
To be honest with you I wasn't even excited about it. I was just nervous and extremely doubtful I'd even finish.
At that time my idea of fitness was doing the elliptical at the gym for 20 minutes and usually didn't even break a sweat doing that. I didn't even like running and struggled to finish a quarter of a mile at a time without walking. Trying to train was challenging and I remember countless times just thinking I should quit and just go and watch the race instead of running it. In my head I was not built to be a runner and was not athletic. Running three miles was so hard and so foreign.
Somehow I stuck with it though and barely trained enough to finish my first race. I'm not sure how or why but through the process I found a silver lining and ended up loving the experience. I was on cloud nine after that race realizing I could do what I once thought was impossible. The power was intoxicating and I immediately started thinking about my next race.
I had no intentions of becoming a runner, but somehow this magical sport sucked me in. Eight years and countless miles and races later, running is a huge part of my life that I could not imagine living without. I'm still not entirely sure why I stuck with it to actually do that 5K but I'm glad I did. That one small decision lead me to where I am today.
Since we're heading into spring racing season, I thought I'd share some of the fun things I wish I had known before that first race. Fun reminders for the running junkies out there and inspiration for you newbies.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"]Running can change your life! Check out this motivating running post about your first race from Running in a Skirt! Share on X
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Signed Up for My First Race
1 - Don't wear cotton including that new race t-shirt to the race. Buy technical fabric and save that t-shirt for the next day.
2 - It's worth it to pay a good amount of cash for a properly fitted running shoe. Expect them to be the most expensive shoes you own and you will wear them out. Suck it up and your feet will thank you!
3 - Once you're hooked your running clothes will take over your drawers and closet. Buying crazy expensive compression leggings will seem completely normal too.
4 - Those people running before the race aren't crazy... they are warming up and you should too.
5 - Getting medals really is that awesome.
6 - Find a fueling plan that works for you and stick to it. Don't try anything new and fancy on race day even if it comes in your swag bag. Your stomach will thank you.
7 - The other people at the race are really nice and actually want you to succeed. Everybody wins and running is a fun club that anyone can join.
8 - It doesn't really matter how fast you go, it just matters that you try your best. And hey... it's your first race you automatically get a PR!
9 - Don't be surprised if you become addicted and start signing up for longer and longer races. Yes, you just might be the "crazy" person wrapped in a foil blanket after running a marathon one day. Never say never. And yes, it will make you that happy.
10 - Running may be hard, but it will bring so much joy and can change your life for the better. It's a never ending adventure. Keep an open mind and give yourself a chance to fall in love with it. You'll be glad you did.
I hope you either love running as much as I do and enjoyed this post OR got inspired to sign up for you first race. Let me know if you do!
Want to start running? Here's how to start and my Newbie Running page. Also check out my 101 Reasons to Fall in Love with Running!
Like this? Find it later by pinning this to your favorite Pinterest board! Thanks so much for the support.
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for lucky rainbow salad.
I’m linking this post with Marvelous Monday, Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday & Inspired to be Fit, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Coaches Corner, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Runners-- What would you add to my list?
Those thinking about starting-- What obstacle are you trying to overcome to start?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Gloria M. Auerbach says
Man I feel so motivated right now. I've been trying to run for years and this makes me want to go for a run just to enjoy running instead of because I feel like I have to. Thank you so much Meet Julie!!!!
Agness of Fit Travelling says
Great tips, Julie! As a runner, I completely agree with you! 🙂
Angel says
Hi, How would you advice a newbie to start out to train for a race? And how long would the training take? You've succeeded in making a race sound like one is participating in an olympic!!! Can't wait to get started, what an inspiring article. Meanwhile, what's a technical fabric?
JulieWunder says
Hi Angel! I don't know about that, but it sure is fun.
Technical fabric is a synthetic fabric that breathes, wicks moisture and dries faster when running than cotton. Many running clothes are labeled with it. If it's not, check the tag to see if it's straight cotton or some poly blend. The poly blend will be better.
I have a this post on how to start running.---> https://www.runninginaskirt.com/how-to-start-running/
Also check out this resource. https://www.runninginaskirt.com/the-ultimate-running-roundup/
My advice is to start with a 5K at least 6 weeks from now and build up to it.
Emily says
Great post, Julie! You make my day. Thank you for your useful and warm tips. You make me remind my first race and why I started running.
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad! Thanks Emily!
kimmythevegan says
Oh this is such a fantastic post! I like hearing about how you fell in love with running. We have similar stories actually. It really does get addictive, doesn't it? All of the pictures of you are great too! So happy you decided to give running a chance =) It really makes you feel amazing!
JulieWunder says
It does! I'm glad we both gave it a chance!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
These are such great tips! I have never run a race before, however, I always try to seek the advice of someone more experienced before trying something totally new to me for this exact reason!
JulieWunder says
Yay! It's a lot of fun.. you should try it!
Emily says
I totally smiled when you said that the people warming up before the race are being smart, because I wondered about that at the first races I went too. Then I realized that it actually really helped. :o)
JulieWunder says
Oh I know... I used to think WHY would I run more????
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
Love this Julie! I haven't run a race in a while so these tips will help me remember what to do!
I know people get excited to wear the race t-shirt but I'm with you, wear it and be proud the next day!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mary Ellen!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I love the story of your first race! It's amazing how we can go from hating running and thinking we can never do well to becoming practically hooked! I love the advice you gave, especially #4!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Janelle! It does suck you in!!!
Rachel says
This is awesome. Lol! Signing up for longer distances. All the clothes everywhere. Warming up -- yes! All of this is great. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel! We live and learn!
Jess run pink says
Great post!! You know I love this one. 😉 I would add get off the pavement and run some trail. It's good for the soul. And the joints. And mind the little things like stretching and foam rolling!
JulieWunder says
Such a good idea Jess! It's a beautiful world out there!
Debbie says
I love the running community! My first race was a 10k and I'd never run more than six miles before (and that six miles was like once, a week before the race). I love how even though runners are competitive, they still want you to do your best (well, as long as you don't beat them).
Blane Sherer says
Little did you know that your first run would turn
into lifestyle change ( smile ).
JulieWunder says
Yes! Totally took me by surprise!
Andrea on Vacation says
I think I would add try to convince friends/family to sign up too. Having a buddy at the start line is always more fun!
JulieWunder says
Such a good idea!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
Wow, that's so awesome choosing to run that 5k so long ago changed your life. I have only ran two 5k's. I've always enjoyed running and do it several times a week, just never really got into signing up for races. Mostly because I never knew anyone to do them with me. But my sister moved nearby a few years ago and we are running the DC 10 mile Cherry Blossom Race in April. I've been training a bit but am still really nervous!
JulieWunder says
Oh fun! Yes it is more fun with friends! I know you will do great. I've heard such good things about that race. Good luck.
Mary Beth Jackson says
You are absolutely right about the shoes, just spend the money, you only have one pair of feet! Great post- running is a game changer, I never thought it would get me 🙂
JulieWunder says
Totally!! Sucks you in!!
Annmarie says
Oh man, I laugh at myself thinking of the shoes I ran my first race in....how far I've come 😛
JulieWunder says
Oh I know... and those terrible cotton capri pants... lol!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Love this, so true! Running has definitely changed me for the better!!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Thanks so much Angela! Hope you are having a nice day.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I don't even remember my first 5k--but that was back in the day before technical fabrics and chip timing! Road racing has come a long way since then! I love how everyone is so supportive of each other during a race!
JulieWunder says
I bet it has! It's grown since I started!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
That you don't need fuel for during a 5k, if that's your first race, although if it's been several hours since you ate, you might want a snack before the race. Not immediately before -- maybe half an hour before.
My story is somewhat similar except I trained a year for my first 5k and thought it would be my only race! I knew I could finish it (although my husband was doubtful).
JulieWunder says
SO true! You really don't need to overeat!
Deborah @Confessions of a mother runner says
Yes I totally agree with all of these! I would add it's so wacky to get sucked into chasing paces and PR's and that can easily take away the fun
Kimberly G says
I agreed with everything that you said in this post! During my first race, I was very nervous about finishing. For some reason I felt like I didn't belong there because I wasn't a "real runner" - so silly!
JulieWunder says
Me too! I felt like a impostor!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
When I first started running I had no idea that wearing cotton was a no go! I learned pretty quickly when I started adding longer distances to my runs.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Picked that up fast!lol!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
You know that I love this. I think I would also add--don't worry about finishing, focus on each step in the process, both in training and on race day!
JulieWunder says
So true! It is all about the process!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I love how much of a community it is. You don't find runners bashing others who are out there doing their best. If anything, when a runner passes me, they continue to cheer me on. I do the same for others!
JulieWunder says
So true! It's one of the best parts!