You should be congratulated for just trying. Since I am such a wuss, I could never race, let alone the training factor! But, I do enjoy watching races and I wish more people would get out there, especially others who ride recreationally. I love the vibe around a race, and even though I am not one of the racers, I feel like I belong.
Funny, when Scott was racing, I hated going, but I think I was just worried about him getting hurt (which he did, numerous times). But then, it was kind of cool being known as the mother of a racer. Then, as time went on, when I started riding more seriously, I started liking it. When my exchange student son came to visit a couple of years ago, he won the green jersey at the Fitchburg Stage race. He was on the podium, when the announcer said something like, "his mother should be here..." I shouted out that I was his "American" mother and the whole crowd cheered for me! That was cool.