NSV Finished first 5k. Learned a few tips along the way.

d2footballJRC

Finished my first 5K, was super excited. Being a 300+ man I wasn't sure if I was going to get ridiculed or not.

Some things I learned!

1. Yeah you want to stay hydrated, but when you stop to take a pee the clock doesn't stop. About half way I couldn't hold it any longer.. Way way too much water drank before I started the race, I chalk that up to being nervous as I didn't see many larger folk like me. I thought that blue thing in front of the port-a-potty turned off your time... WRONG... just a rug..

2. 1.5 mile hill to start the race can not be reproduced on a treadmill. The first 1.5 miles was all up hill and about .75 miles in I realized this is a LOT different then running in a gym.

3. People are awesome, no matter the size. The encouragement I received was wonderful and really kept me going.

4. It absolutely rocks to hear your name announced as you are running down to the finish line. I haven't seen the pictures yet but I am assuming I have one goofy butt photo of running across the finish line.

5. Chocolate milk rocks, I hadn't had that in forever and they handed it out at the finish line.

6. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to beating my time greatly next time. I ran it in just under 45 minutes. Not an amazing time, but I kept on trucking..minus the time I stopped to not pee myself! (maybe 30 seconds, AND I USED AN ANTIBACTERIAL WIPE before you start the no washing hands thing! :-) )

7. Running is addictive, but I don't see myself ever doing more than maybe 1 - 2 half marathons as I apparently have adult ADHD and find it really hard to focus on the race.

8. There are some fast people... There was a couple guys that ran the 1/2 marathon in under 1 hour 10 minutes.

9. The KC 5k I ran is a beautiful area of town but should also be called Devil's Temptation.. While running it you pass 2-3 strip clubs, including one named TOTALLY NUDE, along with 1,230,303,293 taverns and bars. They should up the ante next year and have the bars and strip club open and see how it affects the times!

10. Going down a steep hill while is easier on your heart is much harder on your face when you face plant. I saw two people running full fledge down the small steep hill face plant and fall. Gave me the clue that hey might want to slow down and watch your footing some.. It appeared to be great advice.

If any of the Staff of the KC Marathon reads this, I had a great time though! Amazing course, great job on the organization and I will be back next year. Even though I think #9 above is a great idea. Maybe add in Jagerbomb stations that are mandatory. Marathons would get real interesting then!


There you have it! My NSV 5k and tips and tricks to live by!

calibri

Maybe you're onto something with the Jagerbombs. A friend's dad said in the Army, they used to carry backpacks of beer, shake the cans (to make them flat), and drink them. By the time the got to the finish, they were way drunk. Supposedly the alcohol provides readily available carbs. The whole thing sounds pretty terrible to me though!

Congrats on your first 5k! :drinker:

bregalad5

Yay! It seems lots of us did our first 5ks today. Great job!!

Topsking2010

Great job today! It only gets better!!

Aeliyah

Congrats on your first 5K! So proud of you!

Elzecat

great job on your first 5k. Sounds like you had a great experience and learned lots


I was amused by the comment about only doing 1 or 2 half marathons...I just finished my first half last weekend and have heard from many people that they're addictive. I've already scheduled my next one...


water: only drink about 4-8 oz a few hours before a race and pee just before the start...then sip during the 5k (or not at all, depending on your hydration needs) and you should be good to go til the end....the hydration/fueling thing gets ALOT harder for half marathon training.

Mishy

WTG! Congratulations! I also did my first 5k today.

beach_bum_gurl

Most excellent! Congrats!

Amy_B

Love the tips! Quite comical! Good job!!!


As for the hand washing, runners don't really care so much (especially if it's during a run). LOL

denisegolden

congrats...sounds like you had a great time...i have been contemplating doing a 5k, and you really make me wanna...thanks
btw, did you do all of your training in the gym? how long did you train before you did the real thing?

♥Amy♥

I did my first 5K today too. I walked most of it, though, with just some running/jogging mixed throughout. Completed in 42:03 and can't wait to do my next one!

athaliah

Congrats! This means that next year will be even better. It sounds like you had a good time and learned a lot.

(I volunteered myself at my local 5k Fun Run and Family & kids run today. I was one of those people that stood on the halfway mark and cheered everyone as they went running past. Next year I will be doing it myself as my knees can't take doing it faster than a fast walk yet)

No face plants here but I saw a lady running with her small little dog that stuck with me for the whole day.

She was going around the turn around point at the halfway mark. Needless to say, She turned sharply and the dog's poor legs went off of the ground as it curved along with her and a few steps the dog and its harness landed mid-stride next to her. It was funny as you can tell the dog was used to just running along like that as it didn't phase it and kept on going.

Next year I will be running with you. Thank you for the tips.

techymum

Congrats on your first 5k!!!! Enjoy the high you will have for a few days, it is awesome :-)

I ran my first one in September, second one coming up. Yep, this racing this is totally addictive !

PlunderBunneh

You Are Amazing. Just saying. Way to go, and thanks for the tips I look forward to my first, I'm hoping to catch one in the spring.

lacroyx

congrats! 5K's are fun! I did my 2nd one few weeks ago. I improved my time by 30 seconds from my 1st. didn't think I would because this course had hills and about 3/4 of a mile it was all uphill. I'm planning to do 1 a month from now on and hope to improve my time each time I go.

maddymama

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!! Devil's Temptation..... that would knock most male runners out of any race....... ;-)
Great job!