First 5K coming up--any tips for beginners?

piperclark467
piperclark467 Posts: 1 Member
edited December 2 in Fitness and Exercise
I am pretty new to running (I used to play sports year round until some injuries) and so far I completed a 5K in 36 minutes. I'm running an official 5K in two weeks. Anyone have any tips?

Replies

  • niblue
    niblue Posts: 339 Member
    Relax and enjoy. Don't be surprised if you set a new PB - people often do when they do an event for the first time.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Don't do anything you haven't already done in training
  • KassiesJourney
    KassiesJourney Posts: 306 Member
    Just have fun!
  • jtsher01
    jtsher01 Posts: 5 Member
    have fun, don't forget to smile. this is your base run, improvements will come with later races so just focus on having fun.
  • mreichard
    mreichard Posts: 235 Member
    Don't line up right on the line. Let faster people line up there. This avoids people scrambling around each other at the start.
  • Lydilod
    Lydilod Posts: 135 Member
    Don't worry if you get overtaken by loads of people, just run your own race any have fun.
  • CincyNeid
    CincyNeid Posts: 1,249 Member
    • Relax, have fun, don't stress
    • eat a small meal or snack about 30 mins prior to the start
    • stay hydrated.
    • get a good play list
  • Redwineandmuscles
    Redwineandmuscles Posts: 46 Member
    I agree with what everyone said here. My first 5 km was such a proud memorable experience. Enjoy it.
  • JoeCWV
    JoeCWV Posts: 213 Member
    Have fun. The only advice is don't start out too fast. I have a tendency to do this. Realize you will be passed a lot the first half mile or so as the field spreads out. Get into your groove and enjoy the run.
  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    Don't go too fast too soon, pace yourself... and remember, your goal is to finish (in maybe a time that you preset in your head, perhaps that 36 minutes you know you've already done) Don't worry how many people pass you! This is for fun and exercise, and in the long run - to compete with your own self, not some super-fit twenty two year old who has been on the track team since 9th grade!
  • bketchum1981
    bketchum1981 Posts: 130 Member
    I love this! I am RUNNING my first 5k at the age of 53. It's the Hockeytown 5k. I'm a huge wings fan. It's a farewell to Joe Louis Arena. Can't wait...just trying to run in alternate day.
  • Kellikat80
    Kellikat80 Posts: 591 Member
    Time yourself. Use your own device and start it when you get to the start line. There will be a lot of people there so you probably won't begin right at the start line. This way you will have an accurate assessment of your run. Like others have said, you might finish faster due to the excitement and adrenaline of the race. Go at your own pace and enjoy!
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Have fun!
  • Philtex
    Philtex Posts: 1,283 Member
    As was said above - don't go out too fast. One good way to control that is to start about 3/4 of the way back in the crowd. Do you have a GPS watch?
This discussion has been closed.

Categories