Running Race

HappyElizabeth

I'm entered in a 5 mile race this weekend. It's part of a series sponsored by a local running club. I'm wondering if it will be taboo for me to walk some of the distance?
I've done 2 5k's already (no walking, completed one in 29:30 and one in 29:02 ). I've also done a 5k mud run (finished in the top 25% of my age group). I'm in decent shape, but at this point, I am just not able to run for 5 miles straight. Using my run/walk approach I usually do 5 miles in about 50-55 minutes.
Many races are called run/walk and they're for charity, so no one cares if you walk, but this is a little different since it's sponsored by a running club. So, will my run/walk be frowned upon?

RonandDi

I don't know about the walking part, but not too long ago, I was in the same spot as you. I think that if you watch your pace, and stay around a 10 minute mile, you should be able to run the whole thing. After all, that's the pace you do now. I was really surprised at how much farther I could go just by going from a 9 to 9 1/2 minute mile to a 10 minute mile.

cherilyn221

I don't know about the walking part, but not too long ago, I was in the same spot as you. I think that if you watch your pace, and stay around a 10 minute mile, you should be able to run the whole thing. After all, that's the pace you do now. I was really surprised at how much farther I could go just by going from a 9 to 9 1/2 minute mile to a 10 minute mile.

Sounds reasonable.

KateRunsColorado

Obviously, I'm not sure about your specific running club, but I know that in my local Running Club that I've done races and "fun-runs" with, everyone is super friendly and nice, and while some people are really hard core (ultrarunners and such), some of them are also just average runners, and they are all really nice and not judgemental. I honestly doubt that anyone would care if you had to walk part of it.

However, as the person about said, just try to keep a slow, steady pace, and you probably can run the whole thing! You'd be amazed at how far you can go if you keep your heart rate down!

sjp_511

No one will care if you walk. I became a much better runner once I realized that its ok to take a walk break. I have done plenty of races and I always see people taking walk breaks.

You should pay attention to the time limit, if there is one. For the races I have done I have seen the maximum time equate to a 12-13 minute per mile if the race in not walker-friendly, and anywhere between 16-20 minutes for races that are listed as walker friendly.

JustJennie1

If you have to walk then walk.

I did a race a few weeks ago and was forced to walk a lot of it because of an injury.

HappyElizabeth

Thanks guys - all good stuff. I will slow my pace down and take a walk break if need be. I totally agree that running people tend to be nice and not judgmental, which is why I'm enjoying it so much!

__Di__

I'm entered in a 5 mile race this weekend. It's part of a series sponsored by a local running club. I'm wondering if it will be taboo for me to walk some of the distance?
I've done 2 5k's already (no walking, completed one in 29:30 and one in 29:02 ). I've also done a 5k mud run (finished in the top 25% of my age group). I'm in decent shape, but at this point, I am just not able to run for 5 miles straight. Using my run/walk approach I usually do 5 miles in about 50-55 minutes.
Many races are called run/walk and they're for charity, so no one cares if you walk, but this is a little different since it's sponsored by a running club. So, will my run/walk be frowned upon?

Nobody will (or should not!) ridicule you if you had to walk at any time, they would be more concerned if you ended up collapsing because you felt you should not walk and ran through exhaustion!

Enjoy your race, fingers crossed for you, just don't go out too hard, I bet you will surprise yourself :flowerforyou: