First 5K

Dhellia
Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone,
I have just registered for my first 5K and I'm stoked! I've been doing the C25K program and I just finished week 7 yesterday. So after I complete the last 3 days my goal is to finish a 5K in 30 minutes. Anyway, the race is the end of September.

What tips do you have for someone who has never ran a race before? Etiquette I need to know etc etc.!
Thanks!

Replies

  • lisanhorowitz
    lisanhorowitz Posts: 38 Member
    Show up with enough time to stretch, warm up, register/ packet pickup. Wear appropriate attire. Don't start out too fast remember you have 3.1 miles so pace yourself. Make sure you push through till the end. It may seem endless, but don't quit. Good Luck
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    There's not much you really need to know for a 5k. You'll be in good company- every 5k has a ton of beginners and people of all levels of fitness, from the elite runners to people who lollygag walk it with friends.

    Check out ahead of time where they'll have water if you can, don't wear any new clothes or shoes for your first race, if you wear an HRM don't be surprised if it goes bonkers with interference from everyone else's, stay towards the middle of the road so that the slope of the road isn't always on the same leg, you can pick someone and follow them as a pacer- that's not creepy it's normal in a race- and move to the side if you need to stop so you're not in anyone's way. Nothing revolutionary there- you'll do fine!

    Have fun!
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    best advice is to train how you'll race. no new clothes or gear on race day. if you don't normally drink or even carry water with you on a run, then don't take any at the aid stations. i mean, it's a 5k, not a marathon. you'll be done in 30 minutes. you shouldn't need a hydration plan.
  • Dhellia
    Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
    Thanks for all the tips. I know its a newbie race but running still seems like this mystical club to me... is there a special handshake? I definitely never thought I'd be running anything, except maybe away from zombies.
  • ZiezieO
    ZiezieO Posts: 228 Member
    Good Luck! I ran my first one early this summer. My advice is to WATCH OUT, they're addicting. I'm approaching my 3rd very soon and a few to end the warm weather this fall.

    Etiquette: I guess if you're going to walk, stay to the side reserved for walking. I was super annoyed when running and walkers are tripping me personally. Also, if you're in a race with heats and you know you're a slower runner, stay towards the back/faster go towards the front. It's a short race so people get kinda pushy from the start sometimes, just stay behind them and you'll be okay. Have fun!

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