First Race in 36 Hours!

Stressing over nothing. Just go out there and do it. Lets say you have to walk half of it even. It will be done in under 30 minutes and you finishing it will still be better than someone who never started.

Doesnt matter when or how fast you finish just the fact that you were motivated enough to start and the fact that you will finish makes you a winner!

I say go for it! Racing is fun, even if you walk part of it - just being out there with the crowd and all the excitement is a blast. As for pacing yourself, just don't get caught up in the rush at the start. Stay towards the back of the pack - behind the gung-ho runners, but in front of the walkers if you want to start out at a run. Let people pass you - you will likely pass them later on!

Not sure if you've seen this topic about first race expectations and preparations, but maybe it will help answer some questions and remove some of your jitters: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race

He covers everything from a 5k to a full marathon, and I found it VERY helpful before my first 5k last spring.

i can completely relate! i started "running" on november 1 and was like okay to keep me motivated i am going to sign up for a thanksgiving 5k. just like you are saying, so many things came up! we had a snow storm that lasted for 3 days... literally non stop snow! it was like 30F outside every day, holiday party's, school things, you name it and i just didn't get a lot of running in.

so the morning of the race i find out that it is actually a 6k (which i didn't even kow exsisted) and it was mostly all uphill. it was up a fairly steep canyon that i'm definitely not familiar with.

i ran with one of my good friends, with has done half and full marathons so i thought that would help me stay motivated (it definitely didn't! her fast pace just made me feel terrible lol)

anyway, and the one mile mark (so close to half way done) i just turned around and ran back. I can't even tell you how ashamed and stupid i felt for turning round. i turned out because the whole 1st mile i kept telling myself this is too hard, i can't do it. everyone is going faster than me, i'm the only one walking, etc..... none of that was true. i let myself get WAY into my head (if you know what i mean) and gave up like a loser!! biggest mistake ever!!


long story short, haha, all i can say is go and do your best. who cares if you are last! who cares if you have to stop and walk 10 times! just go, be kind to yourself, adn try to do whatever is going to make you feel the most proud when the race is over! it is a huge accomplishment to even sign up and show up! it is intimidating and overwhelming to say the least!

have fun and enjoy the experience!!!!!!!!!♥

I'm going my first 5k on dec 31. I already know that I won't run the whole thing. I'm planning on walking part of it. I've just started week 5 of C25K, but I have to repeat weeks... My plan is to run when i can, walk when I have to, and run again. Repeat until I finish. I know I can walk 5k easily - any running I can do will just be a bonus.

You can do this. Walk if you have to. But do it - you'll feel so much better if you do!

Just do it. I am over 130 pounds overweight and have completed many 5ks. I say just commit to a schedule. Maybe run 2 minutes walk 1 minute and keep doing it over and over and over. I was excited when I just finished in under an hour. I walk bery slow when I do walk. Once you get this first one done, then sign up for another and train to beat your time. Then just keep doing it.

Most importantly don't give up before you have even started. Celebrate completing it. You can do it.

Dead F**king Last beats Did Not Finish. Did Not Finish beats Did Not Start. Do it.

Hear Hear!