[Maples]

Hey I didn't want to dampen the fun we were having with the daily thread so I wanted to post newbie questions. I am curious about a few things pertaining to races. I've never even been to one moreless seen one.<br><br>
background info on me and current status:<br><br>
Tomorrow I will complete week 8 of the One Hour Runner program. That only leaves 2 weeks until I complete the program. My beginner pace is the 14 to 15 minute mile. Now the first race is 3.5 months from now. Some of the guys typed me out a new program that I will be starting after OHR and will probably be completed just about the time the early February 5k rolls around. Now I am very, very sure I could make a 12-13 pace right now, moreless in 3.5 months from now. That said....<br><br>
1) What pace or total time should I shoot for? I am not trying to win of course as I wouldn't. I am making that trip to meet as many of you who can make it and to see what all this race day stuff is about. I am not wanting to embarrass myself with a 45 minute time (current pace). Should I simply shoot for under 40? Or say go for a 36 minute (12/mile pace)??<br><br>
b) This is more a half and full marathon question... do you get to bring ipods, etc? At this time I can't imagine running for hours without some sort of music to distract me. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/surprised.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Surprised"> Now I can make a 5k easily enough with nothing to listen to as I did that just yesterday.<br><br>
Those are the current questions on the spot. I am sure I will think of more once you start answering. Thanks in advance.

 

[Litchfield Hills]

1) Just run. It is hard to gauge a pace having never raced before. Your pace will be faster - race day adrenaling\excitement etc.<br><br>
2) A lot of races are trying to ban mp3 players, as they can be a safety hazard. Depends on the event.

 

[Beaker]

1) I agree with Tim. No matter what your time is, it will be a PR (personal record). The key is don't get all caught up int race day excitement and go out way too fast. You want to finish strong and with a smile!!!<br><br>
2) Ok, I will admit it, every race I have ever done has said no iPODS. I think I have run all but 2 with an iPOD!!! I think it depends on the race. I have never seen anyone get tossed for having it with them and usually see lots of people with music.<br><br>
I am realyl glad you took the plunge and signed up for a race. Having a gaol race is the best thing ever, keeps you on track with training and makes it easier to get out there those days when you just don't want to!

 

[theia]

I wouldn't worry too much about a projected or goal time for your first race. Just do it for the experience and the fun! As for iPods, I really hate when people wear them in races. There's a good reason they are against the rules. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad"> (Sorry, <b>Beaker</b>. I love ya, but I can't stand having to weave around people who aren't even aware I'm coming up behind them and trying to pass.)

 

[gatorbob]

1) Yeah, it's best not to worry about your time. For your first race, your goal is to finish. And if you do that, you should be happy. You don't want to set a goal for yourself, finish a few seconds behind that goal, and then end up disappointed. Plan on finishing, and be happy when you do!<br><br>
b) As <b>Litch</b> says, many races ban Ipods and such. But that doesn't stop a lot of people. I've seen plenty of people wearing them during races that ban them. The race officials don't send out scouts looking to confiscate Ipods. So if you absolutley insist on wearing one, I'm sure you can get away with it.<br><br>
Personally, I've never done it. I used to always train with my MP3 player, but I found there was enough stimulation in races to keep my mind occupied. A couple months ago, my earphones died, and I had to train without my music. And now I've gotten used to it that way, so I haven't even bothered to get new earphones. I've done 3 hour runs with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company. (Ack! Scary thought!). I never thought I'd get used to doing this, but I have...

 

[oache]

just run dude...your pace will work itself out.<br><br>
No ipod. If you want tunes, carry your accordian.

 

[Maples]

<br><span><span style="font-size:xx-large;">YES!<br><br><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="color:#000000;">Best answer yet! How did you know?<br><br><img alt="" src="http://www.neaca.com/images/Wurlitzer_Accordian_4_.JPG" style="border:0px solid;"><br></span></span></span></span>

 

[Hippo]

Most people need an early pace estimate to make them slow down. Most people blow off their early pace plan and go out to fast, then crash at the end.<br><br>
Ipods are controversial. I'm like the only one who doesn't get into an argument about one. I've never needed one to keep me occupied, but then I've never run more than 18 hours at a time either. My opinion could change.<br><br>
If you're not planning on winning, the best part of races are the atmosphere. All kinds of people around, all willing to talk to you. Even if you're too out of breath to talk you can still smile. Don't be one of the few who misses out on that.

 

[Donkey Man]

I have limited racing experience...but the advice I was given and can't quite master is....Go out slower then you think. The adrenaline and the pack will get you running faster then think and want.

 

[Maples]

Great point Donkey. I am sure that will be a challenge for me...... the actual "racers" up front taking off fast and me being drawn into that atmosphere. It will also be a test of patience at going slower that most. I'll have to do what I do now at the park.....not concern myself with being passed by blue haired old ladies. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><br><br>
Heading earlier advice, I'll just try to finish strong so I am able to smile for the picture. If someone will snap me <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[ScratchType1]

At this point, you're so far out from the race date don't even begin worrying about what pace you might be capable of. For now, just keep doing your running, try to grow more in tune with how your body and legs are feeling in doing things.

 

[Maples]

Yeah and who knows how much I'll even be able to run once it's gets into the wintery, rainy , December and January weather. Thinking of a TM but might not. Don't know where I could go indoors around here if anywhere that's free.

 

[Beaker]

Since you have been working so much with the Univ, do you think you could get a pass for their gym to use during the winter?

 

[theia]

Great idea, Beaker!!!!

 

[Frankie71]

<b>Maples</b> Im glad you are taking the plunge and entering a race.<br><br>
As the others have said, dont worry about a pace right now. Just go out, run your own race and have a good time. Its hard not to go out too fast. Weve all done it. The adrenaline, other racers, the crowd, you feed off the energy and its easy to get sucked into it and not run your own race.<br><br>
As far as ipods go, I only run with one on the treadmill. When I am outside either doing training runs or running a race, I dont wear one. I wore one earlier this year at a 5k and it didnt do anything for me except distract me. I was constantly worried if I was going to cut some one off or something along those lines. I wont wear one again. Just my 02. Plus I can always find somebody to talk to during a race, just ask <b>Moon, Nick, Bard</b> or <b>Beth <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"></b><br><br>
Good luck in your race! Cant wait to read that first RR!

 

[coacht]

Dude. Just run in the rain. I love it. You only worry about being wet for about 60 seconds, then it's no biggie. Give it a try - you might just enjoy it.

 

[flemdawg1]

<b>IPODS</b>: I don't wear one and I get absolutely furious when I'm racing and some butthead bumps into me or cuts me off because they are so wrapped in their tunes that they have no awareness of traffic around them. Please just leave it at home.

 

[Maples]

Acutally I did my last workout <b>Coach</b>. It wasn't bad. I am more talking the blowing, cold winter rain/sleet type conditions. The summery and fall rain are neat! I agree with you. I was meaning more the nastier stuff.

 

[Litchfield Hills]

SO says the guy that cranks out 18 milers on the TM. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[flemdawg1]

Maybe his TM was in the rain, that WOULD explain the asploding.