Running my first race on 5/19. It will be one hell of a race because it’s a long distance. I can complete the distance on my own an I am confident I will do well. My question is, what can I expect? How are these things structured? I am nervous because I’ve never done one of these and being around all those people running at the same time, lol. And advice would be appreciated :)

Having never done this before, I can't give any advice but just wanted to say Good Luck! Thirteen miles is a long way and certainly something to be proud of!

Good luck and kudos to you for such an awesome challenge! Keep us posted!

On 5/4/2019 at 5:21 AM, Bree130 said:

Running my first race on 5/19. It will be one hell of a race because it’s a long distance. I can complete the distance on my own an I am confident I will do well. My question is, what can I expect? How are these things structured? I am nervous because I’ve never done one of these and being around all those people running at the same time, lol. And advice would be appreciated

Congrats! I'm so excited for you. Please post some photos after your run.

Can I ask when you had surgery? How has your training been? What distance have you ran prior? Have you had any issues fueling pre race or during running?

The running community is a fantastic, positive supporting group of people. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy the day.

If you’re not comfortable around the crowd. Wear ear buds in one ear and listen to your play list. Keep one ear bud off to listen for runners around you while on the route. Sometimes its like herding cattle until people get though the start line.

Check online for the following:

Packet pick up is fun. Usually the day before or day of the race. Go the day before. You will get an idea of the people you will be running with. It’s nice to have your shirt and race number pre-race.

Look up you race route. Take note of water, food and porta potty stations along your route. Take your own food that you can tolerate. Many stations have Gatorade with sugar. Avoid it. The last thing you want is an upset stomach on the run.

Race day:

Parking can be an issue. Check to see if they provide a shuttle to get you to the start and take you back to your car and the end of your run.

If your race start and finish lines are different locations.: Check to see if the run provides a bag drop off. It may be cold in the morning. You can place warm clothing/coat in a bag. Put your race number name etc. on it. There will be an information booth at the start line. Ask where to load your bag. They will bring it to the finish line at end of the race for pick up.

Head to the start line: Woohoo! Get pumped up.

Many races have recovery food and after party at the end. If you feel comfortable hang out and take in your accomplishment.

I had surgery 3/2018. As soon as they gave me the ok to exercise, I did and have built up since then. For the few weeks I’ve been able to complete 13.1 miles. I run 3x a week and cross train. Running schedule consists of 4 hill miles, then a fast 6 miles then the long run. Cross training consists of weights and HIIT on off days and 2 rest days. Fueling has been ok. Although, I hate eating pasta now, I eat it before I run and while I run I drink Gatorade. Still haven’t mastered the stomach issues that come after my long run though ? After reading your post, that Gatorade may be the issue, lol!!

1 hour ago, Bree130 said:

I had surgery 3/2018. As soon as they gave me the ok to exercise, I did and have built up since then. For the few weeks I’ve been able to complete 13.1 miles. I run 3x a week and cross train. Running schedule consists of 4 hill miles, then a fast 6 miles then the long run. Cross training consists of weights and HIIT on off days and 2 rest days. Fueling has been ok. Although, I hate eating Pasta now, I eat it before I run and while I run I drink Gatorade. Still haven’t mastered the stomach issues that come after my long run though ? After reading your post, that Gatorade may be the issue, lol!!

My half marathon is on the 18^th. I’m carb loading this week. Sweet potatoes are my go to. Spaghetti the night before. I get runners stomach on long runs. (It happens to runners that haven’t had surgery) I do liquid carbs day of and on my route. Its trial and error to find what works.

I cant wait to see your photos. I hope its a great day for you.

Here’s some pics! Finished strong. That’s all I wanted ❤️ How did yours go?

11 hours ago, Bree130 said:

Here’s some pics! Finished strong. That’s all I wanted ❤️ How did yours go?

I love the shirt!

How did it go? How was navigating the race structure/set up? All your hard work and seeing how strong you truly are inside and out is an amazing feeling. Congrats on your race.

Mine went fine. Still recovering a bit.

I hear you. The course was absolutely stunning. A few times I caught myself looking around instead of focusing, lol. And you are completely right. Seeing and feeling what I am capable of is the most amazing feeling. Thanks for the support. On the the next one ?