Entering 1st and 2nd 5Ks 3 weeks apart?

btsinmd

I'm currently in the middle of week 7 of C25K. I've been looking at entering a 5K this Fall when it gets a bit cooler. There is a nice one on a relatively level mostly paved area, just 2.5 miles from my parents' house, so I could visit them that weekend too. Three weeks later there is another 5K that allows dogs (i.e. has a class for handler+dog that runs a little later in addition to person only class) on a rougher track with some hills. This one is near my home.

I think that doing my first 5k without my regular running partner might be a good idea so that I can get an idea of how they work with only worrying about myself. I also like the idea of doing a 5k together.

Does anyone have any idea if this is a good idea or not? Have any of you attended a 5K where dogs ran too? Too chaotic or okay? Would these be too close together for my first time(s)?

likitisplit

I think they both sound fun. You should be running over three miles regularly in three months anyway. Just slot them in for your long runs.

I've never ran or walked a 5k for dogs - some of the ones allow dogs and you'll see a few out there on the course. One peeve I've heard are people who run races with their dog on a 12' lead where their dog is zooming all over the road and tripping people up, but I've never actually seen this. It might be a little crazy, but I think that would just add to the excitement - I'd focus on the fun and not worry about your time for that one - get the newbie over the finish line

btsinmd

Okay! Great! I'll enter both. It should be fun, but also is a bit scary.

The dog and handler one says 6 ft lead only, so hopefully no dogs all over the course. Since we're used to running on a bike trail with serious racing bikers, my dog has learned to stay right with me. A 18 lb dog vs a speeding bike is not good for anyone.

Thanks!

rduhlir

If you are going to take your dog, make sure you are taking him with you as you train. Dogs need to train their endurance up as well, and if they aren't used to running 3 miles they can easily over heat. I took my dog along with me when I was doing C25K and he is currently up to 4 miles.

RBXChas

I've run a few 5Ks, and all of them allowed dogs. Most people with dogs start out in the back like the people with strollers. Some start (or end up) towards the front, but those dogs are clearly very well-trained and/or are used to being running partners and don't get in the way. If your dog is like the best-behaved of my four, I'd stay at the back or not include him/her. Even the best runner of my dogs loves to stop and sniff or poop or trip me up.

I think doing your first alone is a good idea to get a handle on how it works and your race mindset, and doing another three weeks later is not overdoing it at all. I'd do two in a weekend, since my runs are usually 3-4 miles anyway, and I don't run against anyone but myself