I can't really remember much about pre-getting it. But i know my friend and I agreed to get both versions, and then trade carefully at the beginning to get all three starters. However, he got his copy of Blue when i was on holiday, and had completed it by the time i got back.
Anywho, i played on my own, and it was glorious. I remember levelling up my Blastoise to lvl100 because i heard a rumour you would get Bulbasaur if you did. Because i couldn't bear to have any Pokemon on my team a higher level than my prized Pikachu, i levelled him up as well. Took fucking ages wandering around the end cave place and doing the elite four over and over. Was totally worth it though.
After Red, i played and completed Gold, but didn't like it as much, and i haven't played any of them since. For some reason i couldn't grow to like any of the new Pokemon, and only ever ended up using the 1st Gen in every game.