Pick your Race Wisely

Where are all the fans?

I am a big believer in the fact that everyone should run one 5k, 10k, half or full marathon in their life.  The training is hard, but crossing that finish line is so rewarding.  But, I think for your first race you should be a bit picky about which race you are going to run...especially if you are running something as long as
a half or full marathon.  If you are someone who runs a ton of races, it doesn't matter so much.  But if this is going to be your one and only...you need to pick somewhere that you you are going to get the full experience!

Hanging out in Indianapolis, I was super pumped that my trip randomly coincided with its half/full marathon.  Whenever a race is going on, I try to go watch a bit and cheer on the runners as I know how good that feels to have people clapping you as you chug out those last few miles.  But when I went to about 1/2 a mile a way from the finish line, what I was saw was silence.  Tons of runners, and no fans.  For like 30 minutes me and three kids were the only ones yelling on the runners. 

My first marathon saw people literally playing music and singing every step of the way.  Now I know NYC is in another level, but I've also watched the San Fran and Austin Marathons.  Now neither of those have the same amount of energy (I mean only Boston can stand up to NYC), but there was music for the last mile and at least a few people at every mile cheering you on.  And that's the experience you want when on your first run.  You not only want to cross that finish line.  You want to have a city stop to cheer you on.  So when choosing your first race, make sure to find a place that is going to give you the energy/fun that will make what is always going to be a cool experience, one of the best experiences you will ever have.

                          What the entire marathon should be like...not just at the finishers party