I recently ran my first organized race when I ran Budapest’s Spar 10k. Two months before, I had only ever flirted with running. I didn’t know much about preparing for a race and I certainly didn’t know what to expect the day of. Here are questions I was asking along the way (along with some questions that you readers sent in). If you’re considering doing a big race for the first time, I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect! And if you’re nervous about signing up, I have a message at the end just for you. Read on for the run down (heh heh) of a first-time runner’s first big race!
Q: What was your training schedule?*
A: My friends suggested that I use Active’s (free) 5k to 10K app so that we could keep connected with each other–we could share our routes and hold each other accountable. The program lasts for 9 weeks with 3 runs/week–although I knew I’d have to be flexible since I only had 6 weeks to train. I coupled this with workouts from the free Nike Training app, which of course, has stretches and workouts specifically for runners.
(*The Denae McGaha training program: diligently follow the running schedule for three weeks. Get comfortable and start slacking off for two weeks. Freak out the final week and do a couple of long runs and hope for the best.)
Q: What were the highs and lows of your training?
A: Highs–Coming back from runs and finding out that I had ran further than I intended to. Finishing an early morning run (even though getting out of bed was not pleasant at all) and being able to start my day with an accomplishment before I even headed of to work. Experiences like these helped me to realize that I was capable of more than I thought, and that was the real high. And of course, it was always great to see the progress as my recorded distances became longer and longer.
Lows–Fighting to stay motivated after the novelty wore off (I have commitment issues). I’m a little too dependent on external motivation, and while I got a lot of pats on the back after deciding to train for the race, the bulk of determination had to come from myself. Building the muscle to go for an early morning run or to put on my running shoes instead of falling into bed after a long day at work…that was more of a challenge for me than to add distance onto my routes. Thankfully, the girls who invited me to the run made it a habit to meet at least once a week to run together. A good support system is invaluable!
Q: How much does it cost and what does my entry fee get me?
I registered a few months early and only paid €20 (you can check out the rest of the payment scheme on the website). Aside from the pride of a job well done, my entry fee bought me an athletic shirt, a medal, and a bag of goodies at the end containing energy bars, bananas, and the like (but I just got excited about the juicebox).
The bonus is that now that I’ve signed up for one race, I can pay the significantly cheaper returner’s fee if I want to do any other runs put on by Run In Budapest. (And there might be a half marathon calling my name…)
Q: Do I have to show up 2 hours before the race, as stated on the site?
I showed up an hour beforehand and made it to the start just on time. However, with the group warmups and loooong bathroom lines, I wouldn’t have minded an extra half an hour. I’ll admit that I had every intention of showing up early…but time just got away from me. It turns out that the little things like dropping off your bag, stretching, hydrating, etc. take up more time than you’d think. And the last thing I wanted to add to the pre-race nerves was more stress. Do yourself a favor and give yourself the time to prepare.
Q:What refreshments are there on the track?
I didn’t want to run all that distance holding a water bottle or any other extras, so I was at the mercy of the refreshment stations. Thankfully, there were three stations along the route–water was at all of them, and Gatorade/bananas/sugar tablets were at the second. My lungs were working overtime so I couldn’t really gasp out more than a feeble “thanks” before I grabbed water from a volunteer, but oh my goodness. Volunteers are truly the unsung heroes of these events. So many people gave their weekend to nourishing the people who like to sweat for fun, and I for one am grateful.
Q: What do I do with my stuff?
A: I don’t know about you, but I’m an overpacker. Like if I’m going grocery shopping I’ll bring tissues, bandaids, and a book in case I get bored. Since I’d never run a big race like this before, I wasn’t too sure what I’d need–how many snacks I’d feel like eating, how many bottles of water I’d go through, blah blah blah. So that’s where the baggage check comes in! The tear off strip on the bottom of your bib acts as your baggage tag , so just drop off your stuff and head to the race weightless!
Q: How do I avoid getting trampled by faster runners?
A: I didn’t want to be the turtle in the pack of hares, but then I found out that there are different waves of runners, with a few minutes in between each group’s starting time. Realistic about my speed, I opted to be in the final wave. It was a little like an amusing traffic jam. There’s a big build-up to the start of the race, but when I heard the horn and cheering, my group didn’t move anywhere. As each wave started, we would inch forward, pick up our pace, start cheering, and…come to a stop as they held the next wave back. But soon enough we were on our way!
Q: How will I know my time?
A: The same way Google know to throw up a KFC ad when I’m walking past the house of the Colonel himself: GPS technology! There’s a chip in your bib which registers whenever you cross over the pad at the start/finish line. Because of this, loved ones (or stalkers) can keep up with your race progress as well! All they have to do is go to the marathon website and type in your bib number or name, and they’ll be able to track your little dot making its way around the course.
Q: How can I get photos of this momentous occasion?
A: If you don’t have anybody dutifully following your route with an intensely zoomed in smartphone camera, there is another way. That chip I mentioned? They use it to locate you in pictures taken by the endless race photographers (those ones that I almost tripped over). An email with your personalized photos will be sent to you a week or so after the race, and you can choose which ones you’d like to purchase.
Q: I’m not a runner, can I still sign up?
A: This was my first question when my friends asked me to join. I’ve always been self conscious when it came to doing anything athletic, and could only imagine myself limping in the middle of a sea of incredibly toned, Nike-wearing amazons. But I saw people of all shapes and sizes making their own progress along the Danube–and having fun while doing it! So if you think you can’t do it because you’re “not a runner”, put one foot in front of the other and prove yourself wrong. Commit by paying the entry fee, choose a training app/program, find a support group, and lace up your running shoes! Remember: nobody says you have to be fast during a race, heck–nobody says you even have to run the whole time! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and find out all the things you’re capable of. You might find yourself to be a runner after all!
Leave a Comment