Running Tip: So you are about to do your first race.

AmandaMonique · March 2012

Great info! I just ran a 5k this weekend, would have been nice to have this before. But it wasn't too bad, definitely wasnt hydrated enough. Anyway, planning on running a half marathon before te year is over. This will help so much!

hagamivida · March 2012

Why is everyone doing their 5k in sept/oct? I did my first in jan, run-walking and finished last at 48:18, but I did it.

jarrettd · March 2012

Thanks for this!

kendib · March 2012

Thanks! Running a 5k in April!!!

Trail_Addict · March 2012

mrsmerre · March 2012

Hi,
I'm jog/walking my first race ever. I am not a runner or much into fitness but I am trying to change that.I have been loosely following c25k, mostly because I started then felt like I was doing way too much; my shins were on fire and my hips had started aching. I took like a week off and prob 4 days off in general cause I got sick. I have started back again and i'm excited but terrified that i might hurt myself. I have some questions.
1) when running, how high should I be lifting my legs/knees off of the ground. I am primarily running on treadmill because of the recent weather
2) I feel pretty good, and i am eager about getting into shape, is jogging everyday bad? I find I cant push myself as hard on the elliptical or bike
3)I know my arms are supposed to swing at my sides at 90 degrees but it feels weird especially since I'm not running particularly fast, is that ok? I notice that trying to make sure my arms are at my sides causes my shoulders tense up
4)I heard that to absorb some shock from impact you should run on a 1 percent incline. I think when I tried that is when my shins began hurting. Is there truth to the incline thing? When should you start training at an incline.

Sorry for the questions I've jus been so curious about things since starting my fitness journey. I live in a town where the only place to get sneakers is Walmart so I am going to the city where my 5k will be to get gait analyzed and new sneaks about 2weeks before the race. Thanks so much

Sul3i · March 2012

Bump

tradaboie · April 2012

This was really helpful thank you

makeitbetter · April 2012

Nice post! Useful information for more than beginners. I'm running another 5K this Saturday, and this post reminded me to check a few things on my list.

DianeG213 · April 2012

"I have fallen into that trap during a few races, and found myself unknowingly running that first mile faster than I ever trained for, and unfortunately, paying the price later in the race (HR too high too soon). Stick to your pacing plan!"

Question - how do I develop a "pacing plan"? I am running on a treadmill all of the time, so when I took my run outside I couldn't seem to keep any sort of pace. I found myself sprinting, wearing out, stopping - and I was dissappointed that I couldn't run near the distance. I'm so used to the treadmill keeping my pace, how do I learn to do it on my own?

BCKS · April 2012

Great info! Slower joggers/walkers, please remember to stay to the right. It makes it so much easier and safer for others to pass. Nothing worse than the group of women who are too busy chatting and stretch out across the entire path. It's impossible to get around them.

Trail_Addict · April 2012

"I have fallen into that trap during a few races, and found myself unknowingly running that first mile faster than I ever trained for, and unfortunately, paying the price later in the race (HR too high too soon). Stick to your pacing plan!"

Question - how do I develop a "pacing plan"? I am running on a treadmill all of the time, so when I took my run outside I couldn't seem to keep any sort of pace. I found myself sprinting, wearing out, stopping - and I was dissappointed that I couldn't run near the distance. I'm so used to the treadmill keeping my pace, how do I learn to do it on my own?

You need to run outside a lot more. That's one of the problems with treadmills.... you are merely keeping up with the belt speed, not creating the actual speed yourself. It takes time, but is obtainable through regular outdoor running.

51powerski · April 2012

"I have fallen into that trap during a few races, and found myself unknowingly running that first mile faster than I ever trained for, and unfortunately, paying the price later in the race (HR too high too soon). Stick to your pacing plan!"

Question - how do I develop a "pacing plan"? I am running on a treadmill all of the time, so when I took my run outside I couldn't seem to keep any sort of pace. I found myself sprinting, wearing out, stopping - and I was dissappointed that I couldn't run near the distance. I'm so used to the treadmill keeping my pace, how do I learn to do it on my own?

It's very easy to go too fast when you make the transition from treadmill to outside. Just slow things down to begin with until you can run your distance. As the previous poster said it will come with more experience.

Or get yourself a GPS watch if you like, they are pretty cheap these days.