Can Races be Fun?

Question
Hi John;

I started runnung 10 months ago - from a couch potato to running my second 5k race yesterday. I am 50.
I like how signing up for an upcoming race provides focus and incentive to stick to my training schedule but I don't enjoy running the actual race. I cannot find the right pace, the other runners are distracting and I am not able run in my "zone". I finish in a bad mood and exhausted, although I shouldn't  be, and my times have been awful, even for my standards. I have tried running with an Ipod and without, no difference. Should I give up on participating in races? Do you have any advice for a race newby? (the mystery of the timing chip almost undid me in my first race).
I think it would help if I could join a running club but I am too slow (still).
Thanks.

PS if this a duplicate email, I apologize, my computer acted up just when I tried to send the last one.

Answer
Hi VJ
Yes running can be fun if you just approach it that way and just as you said for the focus, incentive,training.Just forget your pace and your time,chips.I would focus strictly on what ever the pace is extremly comfortable and your not breathing hard even if your hardly moving..because it does not matter.I think joining a running club would be great.Don't worry about being slow.There are many in clubs that are slow.Most people join clubs for the comradire and things you like,focus,training,incentive.You can join my club that i founded in 1983 in northern new jersey with about250 members.Check out the web site www.essexrunning.com
A number of years ago an athlete i was coaching and myself went to a half marathon in souther jersey with one goal to have fun and not be competive with a bet to who good pick up a girl and get a date before the race was over.I did win that bet and had a ball doing it.You could do the same if your not married,or just chat with people along the way.There are many in the back who love to talk all the way.Your probably a business man so focus on your goal of having fun and create some ways to get the job done.There are many out their just like you.I was at one time also.It is a fantastic activity and if you focus on your goal to have fun,the commitment and benifits you derive will save your life like it did for me.If you have other questions VK just get in touch and if you let me know wher you live perhaps i can reccomend a club for.I also coach over the phone all around the country and world if your interested.

All the very best to you

John
www.rentacoachinternational.com