Newbie with Race for the Taste Questions

[scoolover]

Hello everyone!
When I say newbie, I'm not kidding. I am new to the board and new to running. To make a long story short, I weighed 375 in December and had weight loss surgery. I am down to 240 and have started running. I have run 5 miles which I never thought I could do and I am anxious for more. The possibilities seem limitless.

Anyway, I will be at Disney in October and would like to make the Race for the Taste (10 K) my first. Should I try to get in a race before that for experience or is it not really a big deal. Running through the parks seems very cool! Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

 

[debm]

Scott--Congratulations on running 5!! I did that yesterday and am so proud too! I have "the taste" of running right now too---I think my DH is tired of hearing about it. I would certainly sign up for the Race for the Taste. You can definitely do it if you've already done 5. I had only done 4 when I signed up for the Minnie 15K last month. I just wanted to finish it, but was very very nervous about it. Ended up I was able to run the entire thing because my adrenaline was going, the race was so much fun, and I was just so excited to be there and doing it. I don't think there is any reason to run a race before that unless you want to. I am doing the Komen Race for the Cure this Saturday in St. Louis just because I wanted to be a part of it. I'm not really interested in running smaller races done by the YMCA or a town race---probably just because it's hard enough getting away from the kids and house to run that I don't think my DH would want me running a bunch of races. But I do look forward to the "big" ones. It is just a personal choice. You can certainly do the mileage of the 10K ---it is SUCH a feeling of success when you complete the race. It really becomes addicting! What a great thing to be addicted to--exercise for life. I'm trying to lose weight too--but it is also a health issue for me. I hope that it will help with blood pressure, heart disease, etc. So far I've really only gained weight ---I joke that the muscle is growing underneath---I know that is what it is because my shape is changing and I can fit my clothes better. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!

 

[scuba diver]

Scott, I would suggest running at least a 5k before your big race. 5Ks are fun events and you should have a good time. There is one most every weekend somewhere, just do a local charity run.

I think you will find it helpful to understand the pre-race pattern, the starting, and pace issues. Running with 10,000 is a lot different than just running by yourself. A local 5K will only have a couple hundred people, but it will give you the experience of racing.

Besides, you may get a pretty cool shirt.