As I get ready for my second 5K, and I've had time to muse over my first race, I realized that I really learned a lot. Here are the important things I learned from my first race:

1. Always bring the tire pump!

Racing wheelchairs and specialty bicycles have these special air valves that, when unlocked, allow the air to escape with only a slight push.  Just before the race, while I was inside the building warming up, my finger knocked the valve and, since the cap had fallen off, all the air went out of the tire.  Guess what piece of equipment we never even thought to bring along?  You got it: the tire pump!  Dad flew out the door, across the parking lot, and raced to our house in his van.  After snatching up the tire pump, he sped back to the park, called mom to let her know where he was, and then ran past the playground and over to find me.  (He had to use the parking lot on the other side of the park because the race had already started!)  Meanwhile, Mom and I had eased my chair down to the starting line, and I had tried to make it at least part of the way to meet Dad.  I had to stop, though, about twenty feet past the starting line for fear of ruining the tire since it was completely deflated.  My friend, Rachel, stood with her foot in front of my chair to keep it from rolling and save my arms from having to hold the brake until Dad returned. Then comes Dad, my knight in shining armor, carrying his trusty sword, er, tire pump.   In no time flat (pun intended) I was off.  To my friend, Rachel's, best estimate, I was about six minutes behind the starting whistle.  At the corner of Miles and Williams, I caught up, and sped past the last of the pack! (Of course, it helped that much of the first part of the race was downhill.)

Here's my knight and shining armor flying to find me:)

2. Have a training partner (or twelve).

I was a part of a running group from the Jessamine County Public Library. We met each Saturday to practice and to build up stamina for the 5K.  Some of these men and women had run before; and some, like me, were just getting started.  Although no others were in a wheelchair, it was still nice to run in a group in order to have the accountability and encouragement.  We first met together in mid-September and trained specifically for our local 5K (The Turkey Strut).  It was great fun to see all of them cross the finish line as well!  We gathered for a picture before the race began, and we were all still alive and kicking when it was all over, and we took another photo op with our many trophies.

Also, I had a friend who practiced with me the week of the race and decided to run herself.   A second friend actually waited for me near the bridge on the big day and ran the last half of the 5K without leaving my side—even the huge hill near the end!  Thanks friends and training partners for all your encouragement.   I hope I was just as encouraging to you.

3. Make sure you bring another mode of ambulation with you to the race.

We left the house without my braces, crutches, or standard wheelchair.  Never again! I was left stuck in that racing chair until the very last trophy was awarded and we were headed home.   Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my electric teal wind machine, but it is long and cumbersome in hallways and between tables and chairs. I definitely want to be a bit more mobile once the race is complete.

4. Don't race until you stretch!

This includes legs! I warmed up my arms a bit as I tooled around the parking lot waiting for the race to begin, but my legs didn't get a workout since I was not in my braces all morning.   I learned that my legs get sore from being in one position so long. I also have learned much about protecting my rotator cuff and whole shoulder area. I want to be doing this for a long time, so I'll remember to warm up all those muscle groups next time in order to insure no injuries.

5. I love this!!!!!

The wind in my hair is like nothing I've ever felt. The joy of enduring and then finishing. . .   Passing snails like nobody's business. . .  The wind in my hair. . .  The hum of the wheels turning.   Many say that it is the endorphines that keep you racing.  I say it's the wind in your hair. . .  Did I mention the wind in my hair?  I LOVE THIS!!!!