10k runners

tmarvin16
tmarvin16 Posts: 3 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm running my first 10k run next weekend. I have never been a runner in my life, so this is new territory for me. Today I ran 4.6 miles, which is my longest run to date. My goal is to run the full 6.2 the day of the race. I'm wondering if I should try and get to 6.2 before the race, or stick with what I did today and hope that I can work through the mental part of running and push it that morning?

Replies

  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Just run the day of the race. The farthest I had run before my 10K was 5 miles. I had no problem doing the full 10K on race day and its actually still my fastest 10K time to date.
  • hethyrf
    hethyrf Posts: 1 Member
    I agree - you should be fine the day of the race. My suggestion is maybe start off at a slightly slower pace and just go for it! My first 10k (I've only run two!) I had never run more than 5 miles and I did fine. I injured my foot and was off for months. Built myself back up a year later and again didn't run more than 5 miles before my 2nd 10k run. I've actually only run 6.2 miles twice ever, and both were in a race. :) You'll do great!
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Its a little too close to the race to try to push yourself to run the distance twice ( once for practice and the other for the race.) Just do another long-ish run of 4 miles or so and then a shorter run (2-3) closer to the weekend, but not the day before.
  • molly_grue
    molly_grue Posts: 215 Member
    My first 10k I ran after taking most of the winter off running. I was really sore the next day but I did it. I think you will be fine :)
  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    Don't press your luck. I would say if you haven't run 6 or more to this point don't do it now. 4 or 4.5 should be sufficient for your weekend long run and then you could do up to 2 short runs during the week to stay loose, 2-3 miles, Tuesday and Thursday maybe. If you run twice maybe only 2 miles on each run.
  • algebravoodoo
    algebravoodoo Posts: 776 Member
    What they said!

    Plus, on the day of the race, I find it easier to hold a pace over a longer distance when I am in a pack. Most important thing is to ENJOY THE RUN!!
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    You should pretty much rest the week before a race. If you try to run six miles this week your muscles will not be ready to race next weekend.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    You'll be amped up enough on race day. You'll be fine :)

    Good luck!
  • tmarvin16
    tmarvin16 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks so much everyone! I think I'll do 4 miles Monday and then a short 2 miles maybe on Thursday due to my schedule. Thanks for the support!

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