On December 5th, I lined up with over 1,200 runners in the cold, afternoon air of Dexter for a memorable 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race. This would end up being a special race for me because I managed to set a new personal best. The Holiday Hustle also bookended my first full season of running, and was the last time I’d run with the friends I had made at my Thursday night running class at Running Fit. Just four months earlier, I wasn’t able to run a 5k in under 30 minutes. On Saturday, I ran it in 23:31, or about 7:30 per mile. That won’t set the world on fire…the winner ran it in 15:40, or a 5:03 per mile pace. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

It goes to show you that anyone can learn to run, and anyone can race. Seriously, if I can do it, so can you. It just takes patience, guidance, and (more than a little) motivation. For those of you who have been following my misadventures, you’ll be familiar with my motivation: my wife’s own struggle against breast cancer. For some, the motivation is to get in shape. For others, it is to raise funds for charity. For many, it is simply the challenge of running 3.1 or more miles that gets them off the couch. Whatever your reason, if you hit the road you’re already ahead of most everyone else. Our group leader asked us the other day why we thought that so few people run religiously, and fewer yet run in winter. Her answer was “because it’s hard.” She wasn't kidding.

Despite the challenge, the exhilaration of my daily run can only be matched by the pre-race jitters and adrenaline of running an actual race with hundreds of other runners. I hope you set your sights on a race months in advance, and set your first running goal. You will be astonished at how the excitement of a race can propel you faster and farther than you’ve ever run before. In my solitary training runs, I usually move at a relaxed 9 minute mile pace, but in a race I run faster without even thinking about it. The camaraderie and spirit of competition will take over, and you’ll accomplish things you never thought possible. The Holiday Hustle is an example of a fun, local race that can be an approachable entry into your running career. It is close, big enough to be exciting but not so big as to be intimidating. It follows a good course, and involves flashing Santa hats and jingle bells. How stressful can it be when the finish line is adorned by garland and twinkle lights, and the race starter is Santa Claus? Warm coffee and hot chocolate were on hand, popcorn was available, and after the finish there was a tree lighting. The Holiday Hustle is one of many fun races. The Turkey Trot in Detroit was my first 10k (6.2 mile) race this year, and every other runner was wearing a turkey-themed outfit. Races on St. Patrick’s Day are famous for their irreverent atmosphere. We even have races on Superbowl Sunday! Do yourself a favor and lace up for a fun 5k. You won’t regret your decision. In preparation for your first run I have a few pointers for you. These are not scientific, but I think my status as a running novice might give me a useful perspective for new runners, plus I had help from Running Fit 101. Here are my five rules for your first race:

1. Find out about the course. I had a great race in Dexter, but it was hillier than I expected. I took off at top speed with a goal pace in mind. That went out the window when I hit the first rolling hill. I remember thinking “hello…what’s this?” as I chugged up it slower than I had planned. Of course, running up a hill means you get to run back down, which helps immensely. Had I known the course, I wouldn’t have wasted time with a plan I’d throw out a hundred yards later.
2. Don’t obsess over your “plan.” As a new runner, you’ll be more susceptible to the conditions of the day, like traffic (more on that next), weather, and your body’s own response. Experienced runners train themselves more specifically, but leave that to the experts.
3. Find your peer group. Nothing is more frustrating than being stuck behind a slow group when you want to go faster. Some races will have volunteers with signs to tell you where to line up by pace. Sometimes you may want to ask your neighbor what he or she runs to see where you stand. It will be less frustrating for you if you can avoid traffic as much as possible.
4. Bring friends. Moira and Leo surprised me at the finish line in Dexter. I left Ann Arbor expecting to do this run on my own, and it was great to find them there cheering me on as I rounded the last corner.
5. Have fun. Remember how lucky you are to be healthy and running on a beautiful day!

Read all about Zak's exploits on his blog, www.averageguyhitstheroad.com and support his cause, supporting the Wellness Community of Southeast Michigan.