experienced runners, please help :)

Schnuddelbuddel

Hi,

I know there are a gazillion running threads already but I don't want to high-jack them.

So...

Coming Thursday 26th I'm doing my first ever 5k run.

The problems:
I haven't been able to run at all in the last two weeks. I have a horror cough right now. Did go out for a run tonight though, and did about 2.6km in 17-ish minutes (had Endomondo on and didn't stop it in time, so not sure of exact time!) - could've gone on longer as my cough was actually not too bad while running, BUT

SIDE STITCHES! What do I do to get rid of them???? I tried breathing deeper and counting the in-breath for 4 steps, out-breath for 6 steps... just wouldn't budge. Anyone know what to do?

Also, I'm planning on doing another run either tomorrow or Sunday for about 30 minutes (not going for distance, just want to run 30 minutes straight) - will be on running track with local running group on Monday night for training and then thought I'd do Tuesday night run and take Wednesday off.

Does that sound reasonable or should I do a run on Wednesday also?

Lastly, the 5k run is at 7.30 in the evening!!!! Do I eat dinner before? Do I have a late afternoon breakfast (ie, banana/porridge or similar instead?) I find it really hard to figure out how to eat that day and rather wish it was a morning race instead!!!

Thanks for listening/reading and for your advice!!!

runningfromzombies

On the issue of side stitches: one thing that I've found which helps is "belly breathing". Make sure when you breathe in (through your nose) that your stomach/diaphragm is expanding, and when you breathe out (through your mouth) it's sort of collapsing. Eventually you get in the habit of breathing this way while running, and it worked wonders for me.

I would definitely suggest taking at least Wednesday off. Before my first 5K, I took two days off. Since you're sick, I'd suggest you do the same. The rest will help you feel much more refreshed and energetic on race day.

7:30 in the evening is a weird time for a race! Usually they're at the butt crack of dawn! :laugh: I would say don't have a full dinner beforehand. Have a snack. Usually my pre-race meal is something like Greek yogurt with granola and a piece of fruit, or a slice of toast with peanut butter and banana. Then you can eat dinner after the race. Oh, and make sure you're well-hydrated beforehand--but don't be guzzling water within an hour of the race.

Good luck! The first race is always an amazing experience--I know that my first one got me hooked on running forever!

BrianSharpe

7:30 PM is an odd time - eat lightly beforehand (a least a couple of hours before race time). Run Tuesday and take Wednesday off.

Side stitches can usually be dealt with by walking for a moment and breathing deeply and relaxed.

It's normal to feel pre-race jitters, try not to get caught up in the adrenaline at the start line. Set your pace and stick to it, don't start out too fast. Have fun, your first 5K is something you'll never forget and be warned - running is addictive and races are a lot of fun, don't be surprised if you find yourself signing up for another as soon as you can!

Schnuddelbuddel

Thank you for the replies and tips!

I'm excited for the race and terrified at the same time!!! I'm registered for a 10k on 4 June (www.florawomensminimarathon.ie if you wanna have a look, it's a charity run where nobody will mind if I have to go back to walking - well, apart from myself, I might mind!!) and a friend's trying to rope me into a 5k adventure race later in June too...

crazy to think that 2 months ago I couldn't even run for 2 minutes straight!