My first 10k race, help and advice needed.

prdavies1949

Hi
I am 63 years old and have dropped from 309 lbs to just over 260. I started trying to run in November and can now slowly jog around 6 miles. I have entered the Exeter "First Chance10k" which is being run on Sunday. My estimated time is 1 hour 30 but since I received some advice on here, my training has gone better than expected and I want to try to get under 1:20. (I know this is still slow but it would be a big deal for me).
My question is how do I achieve my optimum time? Do I go out as fast as I can and try to hang on till the finish or go steady at the start and then push hard, or maybe use the adrenaline surge at the start to go fast, then ease up then go again at the end? Any advice appreciated.

moustache_flavored_lube

You absolutely want to start slow and finish hard. It is very common for new racers to start at way to fast of a pace.

Since your planned pace is 1:20 I would line up towards the back of the pack. If you line up in front you will be passed by tons of faster runners this is demotivating, and you will probably try to keep up causing you to burn out.

If you have a way to measure your pace I would try to run the first 3 miles at 13 min miles and the last 3 at 12 minute miles.

Find a runner that is at a similar pace and follow them.

prdavies1949

Thanks for the advice, that sounds like a good plan. I have a polar GPS watch so I can check my speed as I run.

goochinator

I don't know if this is for everyone, but I know I get a certain 'race day adrenaline' going and I'm always faster than my training runs. I think it's a combination of excitment, a sort of 'pressure' on myself to keep up with other runners, etc. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but it happens everytime. Even races I'm not super well prepared for, I end up doing more, the energy of other runners and spectators totally pumps me up or something. I think you'll do fine! Good luck!