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With the first day of school just around the corner, there’s a feeling of fresh starts in the air. It’s a fun time of year, and it’s kind of sad that adults miss out on all the “new” excitement.
But wait! One of the perks of being a runner is that you get to experience those feelings all over again when you run your first race. Think about it—your first race is a lot like your first day of school. For example…
- You spend hours shopping for the perfect new outfit, try it on twice and then lay it out the night before.
- You go to bed way earlier than usual to get enough sleep but can’t fall asleep until way later than usual because you’re so nervous.
- You make yourself a breakfast worthy of a commercial—oatmeal, toast with peanut butter, fruit, juice, the works—but are too queasy to eat more than a few bites.
- You put on deodorant, start sweating, and put on another swipe. And throw the stick in your bag just to be safe.
- You put your hair in a ponytail…then a braid…then a bun…then back into a ponytail.
- You groan when your mom wants to take your picture…but then make her take 20 more until she gets one you deem acceptable for social media.
- You leave the house half an hour before you need to in case you get lost even though you practiced how to get there a million times.
- You get a serious case of the nervous pees (or worse) on your way there.
- You look around at the crowds and secretly hope someone will talk to you.
- You need to eat ALL THE SNACKS when you get home.
Read More:
33 Thoughts Runners Have During Their First 5K
10 Takeaways From My Very First Marathon