5k hilly run is a surprise to me!

Rachrealtor
Rachrealtor Posts: 13
in Fitness and Exercise
I am running my first 5k in 5 days. My practice run times are at best 32 minutes. When I am done I feel like I could do a bit more. That being said I have only been running on flat ground. I just checked the course map and it is at the base of a mountain range and has very long stretches of inclines and declines. Should I scrap the run or just go for it? I no longer feel prepared but may just rely on adrenaline to get me through it. I used to run up mountain trails several days a week and run 6-9 miles a day but sat around and made 2 babies in the last 3 years and my body is very different. I mentally know what to do but am not sure my body can do it.

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Will you be happy just participating, challenging yourself and completing the race? Or are you bound and determined to hit a certain time?

    If the former, then definitely go for it. If the latter, then maybe abandon ship depending on how aggressive your goal time is. If this is the case, you should probably consider reevaluating your goals and how you train.
  • jtslim42
    jtslim42 Posts: 240
    Go for it! and challenge yourself. You will be proud of yourself when you complete it.
  • tolygal
    tolygal Posts: 602 Member
    Do it!!!! Don't let a few hills stop you! If you have to stop and walk, who cares. If you can push through it, think how awesome it will feel!!!
  • deep220
    deep220 Posts: 52 Member
    Always go for it!!! Forget about your time and just finish it. Trust me it feels great. Then after your first 5k your next will be shooting to improve. Walk if you need to. My first 5k my time was terrible but crossing that finish line I didn't care. I made it. It gives you something to build on.
  • mlkiel
    mlkiel Posts: 91 Member
    Do it, what's a few hills...once you start and the adrenaline is going, you won't even notice. Best of luck to ya!!:flowerforyou:
  • TurtleRunnerNC
    TurtleRunnerNC Posts: 751 Member
    Do it!!!! Don't let a few hills stop you! If you have to stop and walk, who cares. If you can push through it, think how awesome it will feel!!!

    This. Good luck!
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    Will you be happy just participating, challenging yourself and completing the race? Or are you bound and determined to hit a certain time?

    If the former, then definitely go for it. If the latter, then maybe abandon ship depending on how aggressive your goal time is. If this is the case, you should probably consider reevaluating your goals and how you train.

    ^^^^^ this.

    what's more important to you? time or participating/finishing. only you can answer this question and you also have to remember you PAID for the race. do you really want to throw in the towel just because you've only been running on flat surfaces. seems like a great way to waste your money.
  • MJMARIN81
    MJMARIN81 Posts: 49
    I agree with most. Let go of any expectations or goals you had set when you didnt know it was a hilly track and just do it and have fun. You may be surprised at how well you do or on the other hand it can be a good reference point to improve upon.
  • suemar74
    suemar74 Posts: 447 Member
    Personal triumph usually happens outside of your comfort zone. Go for it.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I agree with Sue. Go for it. My only advice would be to remember to shorten your stride a bit going downhill. Overextending can lead to injury. Expect to feel the burn in your quads when you finish (in a good way)

    Good luck and please report back on the results!
  • Rachrealtor
    Rachrealtor Posts: 13
    I am not competing. I just want the lifestyle back. As long as I finish I will be happy. I just don't want to be unrealistic. Thank you for all of the encouraging words. I am excited for the race again! Even if I have to walk a bit.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I am not competing. I just want the lifestyle back. As long as I finish I will be happy. I just don't want to be unrealistic.

    Don't let fear of failing keep you from trying. Even if you only make it a mile before you have to stop, it's a mile more than if you don't try at all. You also don't have to run the whole thing, you can trade off walking and running. I say go for it, and if you're finding it difficult, slow down.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I am not competing. I just want the lifestyle back. As long as I finish I will be happy. I just don't want to be unrealistic. Thank you for all of the encouraging words. I am excited for the race again! Even if I have to walk a bit.

    Then definitely go for it. Good luck, you'll have a blast!
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    I am not competing. I just want the lifestyle back. As long as I finish I will be happy. I just don't want to be unrealistic. Thank you for all of the encouraging words. I am excited for the race again! Even if I have to walk a bit.

    i think you'll be fine. just remember to look down when running up hill (that way you're not staring at the top the whole time thinking UGH when will I get THERE! :)
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I am not competing. I just want the lifestyle back. As long as I finish I will be happy. I just don't want to be unrealistic. Thank you for all of the encouraging words. I am excited for the race again! Even if I have to walk a bit.

    BTW I just realized I'm in a similar boat. I'm doing a race in two weeks that I know has some major hills and I really haven't done any hill running at all since I began. Might want to fix that!
  • srk369
    srk369 Posts: 256 Member
    I'm in the same boat. I have a 1/2 this weekend that will be flat, so I've been training for that. Next month I'm running a 10k that is in the hill country. I guess I'll have about a month to add hills to my training!!
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    Just do it!! If you have to walk some so be it. It'll be a nice challenge for you.
  • Rachrealtor
    Rachrealtor Posts: 13
    I beat my best time by 2 minutes!
  • OspreyVista
    OspreyVista Posts: 464 Member
    The only thing that's stopping you is saying you can't. If you don't think you can do it, then you won't do it. However, if you think you can (Which you can) you will do it :) Changing it up to add hills is going to be a great challenge, I say go for it and enjoy it!
  • Rachrealtor
    Rachrealtor Posts: 13
    The only thing that's stopping you is saying you can't. If you don't think you can do it, then you won't do it. However, if you think you can (Which you can) you will do it :) Changing it up to add hills is going to be a great challenge, I say go for it and enjoy it!
    You are right! This was from an old post that people asked me to post my results on. I did the race today and completed 2 minutes better than my personal best. The hills were motivating in the end. Finished in a modest 30:53. Can't wait to chip my time down more.
  • digressions
    digressions Posts: 19 Member
    Do it!!!! Don't let a few hills stop you! If you have to stop and walk, who cares. If you can push through it, think how awesome it will feel!!!

    ^^^ This!

    I ran my first ever 5k race New Years Day. I had only been "running" (interval training) for about 6 months, on mostly flat ground. When I saw what the course was going to consist of, I was nervous for sure, and almost felt like dropping out...but I knew I would later feel so disappointed in myself if I did so. So I did it, pushed on through the snowy ground and hills and -10c temperature and the fear that I was going to come in last. I walked when I felt I needed to, and when I crossed that finish line, it was one of the proudest moments of my life! It took me 36:30 to finish (like you, my regular flattish route takes me 32 maybe 33) but I was not the slowest by a long shot, and I will never forget that incredible moment when I crossed my first finish line! When I got home, I took of my bib number and used a magnet to slap it on the fridge like a proud child would a crayon drawing. It is still there. :) My next race is coming up soon, and while I hope to better my time, it won't bother me if I don't as long as I just do it!

    Congrats on all your amazing accomplishments so far! And seriously...DO IT!!! Dig deep and you just might surprise yourself with what you are capable of! The only other "during the race" advice I can offer as a newbie myself: Keep in mind the reasons you are doing this. Don't let the mere sight of the hill stop you, but look down and slow your pace, walk if you need to. Remind yourself that it's really just half an hour (ish) of your life so you might as well give it all you've got!!!

    Now, go rock that race! Good luck!
  • digressions
    digressions Posts: 19 Member
    You are right! This was from an old post that people asked me to post my results on. I did the race today and completed 2 minutes better than my personal best. The hills were motivating in the end. Finished in a modest 30:53. Can't wait to chip my time down more.

    That'll teach me to read all the way to the end of the thread before posting! LOL

    Congrats - that is amazing! Way to go!
  • caribear1984
    caribear1984 Posts: 203
    Congratulations, awesome job!
  • sleibo87
    sleibo87 Posts: 403 Member
    Wow perfect topic! I JUST got done running my first official 5k this morning! I was not expecting the HILLS and was not prepared or that or the dirt roads. I am so used to my treadmill and nice a/c not 85 degree CA weather and those hills lol. I ran it in about 31-32 mins and to be hones felt like barfing afterwards. Just take it slow, pace yourself and MILK that parts that are DOWN hill! Remember to breath and don't put yourself too hard in the beginning. You will do great!
  • Rachrealtor
    Rachrealtor Posts: 13
    You are right! This was from an old post that people asked me to post my results on. I did the race today and completed 2 minutes better than my personal best. The hills were motivating in the end. Finished in a modest 30:53. Can't wait to chip my time down more.

    That'll teach me to read all the way to the end of the thread before posting! LOL

    Congrats - that is amazing! Way to go!

    It is my fault. I am not sure of this community message board etiquette. Thanks though! I feel really empowered.
  • Rachrealtor
    Rachrealtor Posts: 13
    Wow perfect topic! I JUST got done running my first official 5k this morning! I was not expecting the HILLS and was not prepared or that or the dirt roads. I am so used to my treadmill and nice a/c not 85 degree CA weather and those hills lol. I ran it in about 31-32 mins and to be hones felt like barfing afterwards. Just take it slow, pace yourself and MILK that parts that are DOWN hill! Remember to breath and don't put yourself too hard in the beginning. You will do great!
    I hear that. I felt nauseous at the last 1/2 mile but pushed through and it stopped.
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    Always go for it!!! Forget about your time and just finish it. Trust me it feels great. Then after your first 5k your next will be shooting to improve. Walk if you need to. My first 5k my time was terrible but crossing that finish line I didn't care. I made it. It gives you something to build on.

    This!! Go for it!! You won't know until you try. I bet you will surprise yourself with a good time. Don't stress - just have fun!!
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    Oops, didn't read to the end either! :embarassed: Anyway, great job!! That is an amazing time!!
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    Great job. My 5k is a week from tomorrow, I am going to go do an outdoor run with some mild hills tomorrow.

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