Running my first 5k!

Fit4good85

Hey all, I am going to be running in my very first 5k next month and I am so stoked but nervous at the same time (if that makes sense lol). I run 2-2 1/2 miles on my treadmill daily and stretch plenty but I was wondering if anyone had any pointers or tips for being a successful runner? I am scared I might not perform as well as others . Any personal experiences tips or recommendations are greatly appreciated!

apple_22over7

If you've never run outside before, then I'd suggest you'd try it a couple of times before the race. Running outdoors is very different to running on a treadmill, there's al sorts of things you have to factor it. Dodging puddles, the variation in incline (even if it's only slight), it's a different running surface, the fact you can't rely on the treadmill to keep you running at a certain pace, coping with the weather - is it going to be hot? cold? rainy? windy? muggy/humid?

The biggest tip though is to simply enjoy yourself. Most 5ks have lots of new runners at them, so you're bound to meet people who are in the same boat as you. Races tend to have a nice atmosphere about them,so just relax and enjoy it,

serendipitys1003

I ran my first race two months ago and LOVED it. I would run outside when you can just because it is different than running inside on the AC, but other than that have fun :-)

Sobus76

If you've never run outside before, then I'd suggest you'd try it a couple of times before the race. Running outdoors is very different to running on a treadmill, there's al sorts of things you have to factor it. Dodging puddles, the variation in incline (even if it's only slight), it's a different running surface, the fact you can't rely on the treadmill to keep you running at a certain pace, coping with the weather - is it going to be hot? cold? rainy? windy? muggy/humid?

The biggest tip though is to simply enjoy yourself. Most 5ks have lots of new runners at them, so you're bound to meet people who are in the same boat as you. Races tend to have a nice atmosphere about them,so just relax and enjoy it,

Pretty much sums up what i wouldve said.

skippygirlsmom

I totally agree about running outside. See if you can run/walk the course so you are familar with it. Make sure you have friends to cheer you on and take some pictures. Get plenty of rest 2 nights before the race, because you'll be too excited to sleep the night before. Don't run the day before, rest your legs. Don't get too caught up in the excited at the start and run too fast of a pace to finish. Most of all have fun, the sense of accomplishment afterwards is awesome!

Fit4good85

Thank you so much for your input everybody, yes I will run outside tomorrow! I haven't ran outside in a very long time lol, so I do have some practicing to do out there! I forgot to mention that this particular 5k is on the beach so I will be running in the sand!

brianpperkins

Thank you so much for your input everybody, yes I will run outside tomorrow! I haven't ran outside in a very long time lol, so I do have some practicing to do out there! I forgot to mention that this particular 5k is on the beach so I will be running in the sand!

Sand adds an additional factor for you to train around. Hard packed sand is ok to run on ... loose sand is a workout from hell. Practice on the terrain ... get used to it early so on race day you're not surprised.

Then reverse plan your race day so you have time to arrive in time to get situated, warm up, and enjoy the event. Rushing to get to a starting line is no fun. Figure out parking, bathrooms, eating (if you prefer to eat before running), find a place to change if you plan on getting out of race gear before heading home ... all in advance.

apple_22over7

Sand adds an additional factor for you to train around. Hard packed sand is ok to run on ... loose sand is a workout from hell. Practice on the terrain ... get used to it early so on race day you're not surprised.

So much this. I tried running on the beach once and it was not good. Typically when you run, as your foot strikes the ground, the ground gives you a bit of a spring back up to help with the next step. Running on sand (particularly dry sand), the sand just dampens the impact of your feet and gives you no bounce, so you have to exert more energy with each step. It's a great training tool, if you live close enough to a beach to run it regularly, but for a race it's definitely something that needs practising.