Lacey asked a question yesterday that I love so much.It plays right into my plan to talk about the mental aspects of racing: How do you get up the nerve to sign up for your first race? I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself…
In the words of the creative team at Nike: Just DO IT! Often easier said than done, I know.
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I totally get where Lacey is coming from. I was MORTIFIED at my first 5k. Shaking in my non-running shoes and sh$%@ing a brick. When I spectated my first half marathon (the Caveman was running) In my mind the runners were super-human demi-gods. To say I was hyper critical of myself and my own worst critic would be an understatement.
Here, some tidbits to help make that first race experience one that keeps you coming back for more:
- Choose a small neighborhood race. Something easy to get to eliminates many logistical challenges so the stress factor goes down.
- Train with a group or get a friend on board. In my case, I trained alone (on the mill no less) but my sister ran the race with me.
- Wear something that bolsters your confidence. Treat yourself. Remember this is supposed to be fun. I went out and got myself a periwinkle Brooks singlet and shorts for my first 5k back in 2000. I felt capable and great in it–like I fit in with the running crowd, even though I didn’t feel like it. I’m pretty sure I didn’t have proper running shoes yet.
- Remember you are not alone. There are many, many new runners on the course with you and many spectators admiring your dedication.
Next squash those fears before you start. Some common ones:
- What if I embarrass myself? The reality: Everyone is so caught up in their own race and their own issues, they will not give you a second thought. Plus embarrassing moments make great war stories after the fact. Exhibit A: The espresso gel incident at my first marathon.
- What if I’m last? The reality: Chances of this are very slim and most races have a course sweeper to claim that honor. Trust me, not worth worrying about. You’re still ahead of everyone who stayed home on the couch!
- What if I throw up? The reality: This is an honor. BTDT. Embarrassing? Yes. Badass? Even moreso. It just means you’re giving everything you’ve got. NO SHAME in that. Plus more war stories.
- What if I will trip/fall/hurt myself? Maybe you will, you probably won’t. Running will test your character. It teaches you to take what the day brings and make the most of it. So you fall. Get up. I’ve seen my share of face plants in races. I feel awful for the plantee. I think we all do. You’ll find you are capable of things you’d never imagined.
Here is the true beauty of running. As you navigate your way through the challenges and overcome roadblocks, parts of yourself that you may not have known about, or may have long forgotten about, will reveal themselves. Things like strength, tenacity, and perseverance. Qualities that will carry over in to other areas of your life.
Ok you’ve squashed the fears, now what do you replace them with?
My favorite: Fake it til you make it.
Fill your head with positive self talk. Even if you aren’t buying it. Pretend you’re a superstar out there every time you train. Maybe you don’t feel superstarish but use the self-fulfilling prophecy. Tell yourself something long enough and you’ll start to buy it. Like anything else, if you practice positive self-talk, it becomes second nature.
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When you’re struggling in a race and doubts are creeping up, say to yourself something like: “I have this fully under control. Yep, no worries, I am feeling great today” It may seem ridiculous but it diffuses the situation and you will start to BELIEVE it. Each training run builds a foundation of confidence. When you toe the starting line on race day, think back to the work you’ve done, how far you’ve come and all you’ve achieved. Use the race as a celebration of your hard work. The race is icing on the cake. Who doesn’t love icing?
Good luck to this weekend’s racers!Wisconsin, Flying Pig, Mountain Goat and everyone!
i tripped and fell just past the turn around on a 15 mile training run (I had at least 6 miles to go). i tore my tights, and scraped my knees. i considered calling the cops and asking for a ride back to my car. after a few minutes of tears, i dusted myself off and got back at it.
all that to say Marcia is right – when you do something like that and survive? it only makes the experience that much more remarkable! 🙂
Great tips, Marcia! I especially love the “fake it til you make it”– your attitude and (even forced) confidence can go such a long way in a race setting!
It is so apropo that YOU posted this – the Lew Blond run where I first saw you was my very first 5k. I was in the race shirt (I swear I didn’t know!) and a pair of black capris that didn’t fit right. You were in cheetah if I remember correctly. I was SCARED TO DEATH. And alone. But I’ve never been sorry that I did it – I FINISHED. And I was so proud 🙂
I’ve been racing since I was in middle/high school, so the whole race thing has never been an issue for me. What gets me is the mental aspects of long races. I really need to find a way to stop giving into the self doubt. I need to learn to fill my head with the positive self talk…sigh.
This is a fantastic post with great tips. That fear of embarrassment and being the ONLY one who doesn’t know what she’s doing is a big one!
Feeling like I didn’t belong or would fail kept me from trying a lot of things for a long time. The biggest thing that helped me was reading other bloggers who were self-professed slow, back of the pack, “no way in hell do I belong here” people who were doing some really cool things. Realizing you don’t have to be a contendah to belong and have a blast was totally freeing.
Love this post!
Great post! For newbies, just know that many of the other participants are in your same position. Have fun and enjoy it:)
Awesome advice, Marcia! Always so exciting to see new runners starting this adventure!
Yes! Some of the greatest athletes are the BEST actors. Corry yourself with strength and confidence even if you want to shit your pants! No one will know otherwise! 🙂
Great post! I shared this on FB for some of my friends who are newer to running. Hope they see it and get inspired!
My first race was a team event that I did with non-running friends. I ran but two of the four walked the whole five k. We just did it for fun and to justify a breakfast out afterwards. And it was fun. And I surprised myself running the whole distance.
Such good advice here. A lot of events have walkers in them so if you run then you’re not likely to come last. (that was my biggest fear) Most events are filled with people out there just giving it a go. They’re never going to go to the Olympics. But just being involved can be so satisfying and addictive.
If you are last, you might be lucky enough for a police and ambulance escort! A friend of mine got one for being DFL. Pretty cool if you ask me. Also, the last person usually gets the most cheers since everyone realizes how hard it was for the person to even get to the starting line.
Another funny story from a race. My teenage daughter came to watch me race once. She was 18 and super thin. We stopped on the way to the race to get me coffee and her a donut. She brought the donut to the race and after walking around for 5 minutes said “I can’t eat this around all these super fit people” and threw it away :-).
My first race was HUGE (in Central Park, a 10K), but it was all women and it was clear from the start that there were all ability types there. I actually was glad to be lost among all those people. Looking back on it, it’s a minor miracle I entered at all….
I raced in high school and college so the racing isn’t difficult for me…what’s hard is when I have super high expectations (like BQing) and then I do get really nervous about performing. I actually love to race, but I hate to suck at racing, which is where I am right now.
Good luck at your half this weekend….hope it’s a bit drier than last weekend’s. 🙂
This is a great article for newbies! My friend was inspired and signed up for her first 5K and is starting to message me every day with nerves. I will have to send her here!
Trust in your training 🙂
Well said – I still remember my first 5K so acutely – I truly thought I was going to die. Salazar said it best – “Standing on the starting line we’re all cowards.”
All the “newcomers” must read this post. Great tips.
I remember very well my first race in april 1985: 8 km in 40:00 I was the last; behind me only the ambulance.
Great post/message!
This is a great post! I know that even now, when I run a new distance or a different type of race, I get nervous! Before running the relay this weekend, I was full of “what ifs”! But, like you said, the miracle is the courage to start, to sign up, and to try something new and scary! But I have never finished and NOT been proud of myself! Never.
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