My first experience of a race does not happen at the starting line, it begins with the event website

First, I'd like to thank organizers of races everywhere. I can only imagine how much work is involved: soliciting sponsors, getting volunteers and training them, marketing, producing shirts to give away, securing a safe route, and more.

I have never organized a race myself, but I have participated in many. I am a strong supporter of various causes. In choosing a race, however, the cause is not my number one consideration.

#20 - 2014 Steps 4 Stellar, better with age

1st 100 yards

Studies show that running performance drops after a certain age. However, in this race, I found evidence that contradicts these findings.

Two years ago, at age 46, I ran my first race ever: the 2012 Steps 4 Stellar 5K. I had a blast. Runners registered quickly, signs marked every mile, and cheerful volunteers greeted us at the water station and post-race buffet. There was even a basketball tournament being held in the nearby courts, all adding to the energetic environment. I had a perfect and positive experience, just like this year.

#19 - Sly Fox Wednesday Night 5K Summer Series, fun and beer galore

July afternoon workouts in eastern Pennsylvania (PA), USA can be challenging. It's muggy, and buggy on most days.  No amount of insect spray can keep these pesky gnats away.  I've inhaled and eaten my share of these flying proteins. It's a shame I could never outrun them. What's worse than swallowing bugs?  "It's when they get stuck at the back of your throat," a sly fox runner said.

#18 - Firecracker 5K, an explosive race

Susan and me

No, there weren't any fireworks, but this race was just as entertaining as if there had actually been fireworks.

Race #18 was a very well organized event that was held on Saturday, July 5 in Shillington, Pennsylvania. The race promptly began at 9:15 and by 11 am, I was already on my way home with my lovely trophy and a new personal record (PR). For me, the most exciting part was meeting fellow runners.

#17 - Coney Island COSME 5K, the good and the bad

My first boardwalk competition was held in Coney Island, New York on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Running on wood was a treat, and thanks to other runners who warned me of uneven planks, I finished in good health. I had fun but I expected more from a 22nd event.  

Here are 5 negatives and 8 positives, arranged in the order they were experienced: 

#15 - Monocacy Way 5K, a trail run with a twist

Happy Father's Day!  Thank you, my husband Eric, for letting me do this on your special day.  To let me finish my quest, Eric stayed home with our son, who had a tonsillectomy 3 days earlier.  Isn't he the best?

I started writing this post on June 15, after the race, but I had troubles finishing it because I had a tough time finding good things to say. I don't mean to offend the organizers who graciously refunded my money when I accidentally double paid for the event. This is not going to be pretty, but here we go.

Finding the location of this race reminds me of a scene from the movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth". The main character, Trevor Anderson and his crew were trapped in a cave, then found a way out and into a hidden prehistoric world.