"To start the race" means to begin or initiate a competition or event where participants compete by running or racing against each other. Full definition
When your offer to buy a home is accepted, your mind starts racing with ideas. (rbfcu.org)
Even so, he'll be starting the race from 16th - two places higher than he qualified. (wtf1.com)
As soon as I meet a client, my mind starts racing on how to cater to the client's needs while keeping organizational interest in my priority list. (coverlettersandresume.com)