I'm sorry, but I have to take issue with what tri4him said about "other" races. I have done a TON of "other" races in many different locales, and only ONCE did I encounter a rude person- and it was a GIRL!! I've always gotten TONS of support, and god knows I'm a BOP'er!! Even at Ironman, where I would almost expect to get "attitude" it was the total opposite!! In fact I think people at that race were MORE supportive than at any other race I've ever done!! Even the pro women were giving me words of encouragement!! So please ladies, don't shy away from other races just because you assume that they must be for the "experienced" or "fast" or "super fit" or "elite" or whatever you want to call them.
Personally when I look into a race I look at the course to see if it's something I can handle, and I also look to see if there are cut off times. There are certain marathons I can't run because I'm a slow runner, but there are plenty of others out there that welcome us slowbies. So do your homework and go out there and have fun!! And for goodness sakes... DONT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE THINKING!! Race YOUR race and have fun!!! THATS what it's all about!!
Denise