No one to run a 5k with!

chloeealicee
chloeealicee Posts: 204 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I really want to sign up for a 5k to keep my more motivated with my training but i have no one to sign up with, is it sad to run your first race alone? I'm scared of embarrassing myself and dragging behind in dead last all by myself.

It's frustrating having no one to share my fitness goals with to help support and motivate each other in real life
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Replies

  • LearnFromTheRed
    LearnFromTheRed Posts: 294 Member
    Goodness, no, go for it!!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    You'll make friends- just go do it- You'll have a blast!!

    I do all sorts of things alone because well- if I wanted around for people to do them with me- I'd never do the things I wanted to do!!!
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I do all my Running alone as I don't play well with others ;-). I'm planning on doing a half by myself at the end of August there wont be anyone there to support me (as my wife is too ill to come) The start line is just down the road from my house so I'll go run it then come home. It'll just be like one of my normal runs with a few more people on the roads and none of those annoying car things. Go for it
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    I run nearly all of my races alone. I ran a half marathon today alone. I always end up chatting with someone and having a good time. I run for me and to achieve my goals. It is nice to have someone around, but I don't get upset. My friends are supportive of my running even though they don't. Just go out there and have fun.
  • GillianMcK
    GillianMcK Posts: 401 Member
    I'm running a marathon alone, go for a big race (race for life etc), there's always a good atmosphere and everyone talks to each other throughout the race, go for it:)
  • JDubIsShrinking
    JDubIsShrinking Posts: 207 Member
    Doooooooit!
    I ran my first 5k on my own - I was SUPER nervous, but quickly found that everything I was nervous about were total non-issues. I talked to people, I wasn't last, I wasn't the only person that took walking breaks, etc. It was a great experience!
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    Even if you go with friends, you probably would all run at a different pace anyway. Just go and enjoy yourself.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I ran my first race alone! Go for it - you're alone but you're not! You'll be in a crowd of other runners of all abilities, speeds, ages, sizes and it will be amazing and fun.
  • graceire
    graceire Posts: 323 Member
    I run all my races alone. And I'm not alone in doing that! Ha! Sorry...

    Lots of folks at 5K races that run without a running partner, friend, family, etc. None of my friends are interested in running so I don't nag them to participate.

    I'm training for a half marathon, and will be running a nautical 10 miler (11.5 regular miles) in two weeks...both alone. I personally prefer it, I only have to worry about myself and my pace.
  • chloeealicee
    chloeealicee Posts: 204 Member
    Aw wow thank you so much everyone. This has boosted my confidence so much, i've found one i like the look of and i'm gonna sign up first thing tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it so much already now:D
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    One of the reasons I enjoy running is because I get to do it alone.
  • 143tobe
    143tobe Posts: 620 Member
    Go. For. It.

    :happy:
  • TheDarkestStar87
    TheDarkestStar87 Posts: 246 Member
    I run all my races alone, you'll make friends along the way though to push each other on. I ran the best part of a 10k last year with someone I'd never met before, after the finish she came up to me and said "I couldn't have done it without you". I was so chuffed for both of us
  • 143tobe
    143tobe Posts: 620 Member
    One of the reasons I enjoy running is because I get to do it alone.

    Me too, it's like my own personal quiet time. Almost like meditating even.
  • SapiensPisces
    SapiensPisces Posts: 992 Member
    I love 5k races. You'll meet new people if you're reasonably friendly before the race and even after. Maybe you'll meet a running buddy. Go and have a good time!
  • hellsbells3272
    hellsbells3272 Posts: 128 Member
    I have to say that me, myself and I are the three best training partners I ever had. They very rarely let me down.
    Sometimes I pay a P.T. to help me out, and I like to attend gym classes but as far as friends go - they just don't have the commitment to fitness/goals that I have, and relying on them would mean that I don't attain my goals.

    I have signed up for the 5k Race for Life in York in June. I don't even know anybody in York so even more alone! I'll have my music on and go for it :)
  • cupcakesANDiron
    cupcakesANDiron Posts: 23
    Where are you located hun! I have the same problem. I dropped out of the Color Run because I didn't want to do it alone.
  • TheDarkestStar87
    TheDarkestStar87 Posts: 246 Member
    Where are you located hun! I have the same problem. I dropped out of the Color Run because I didn't want to do it alone.

    Good point, I'll run a 5k with you if your anywhere near London
  • WallyH4EverVersion
    WallyH4EverVersion Posts: 172 Member
    One of the reasons I enjoy running is because I get to do it alone.

    Me too, it's like my own personal quiet time. Almost like meditating even.

    THIS.... and even when you run with somebody they might run slower or faster than you, so you won't be able to be side by side ...races are about your personal best. Enjoy and relax ...meet new friends :smile:
  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 Member
    One of the reasons I enjoy running is because I get to do it alone.

    Me too, it's like my own personal quiet time. Almost like meditating even.

    THIS.... and even when you run with somebody they might run slower or faster than you, so you won't be able to be side by side ...races are about your personal best. Enjoy and relax ...meet new friends :smile:

    This exactly. I've only done one 5k with a friend and we went at two different speeds, so it was almost as if we were doing it alone anyway. I'm doing a triathlon with another friend in August but I doubt we'll see each other the whole time. So, even if you do it "with a friend" you're still kinda doing it alone.

    Glad you're going to sign up! Good luck!! :)
  • emzilee
    emzilee Posts: 96 Member
    I did my first 5K yesterday with 3 people from work and a friend of one of theirs. It was a Colour Run, so it ended up being more about the fun and getting as messy as possible but as soon as we set off I wished I was running alone!

    One girl and her friend ran off straight away (they were super quick) and then the other two stuck with me (the slowest), but we shot off at a pace so much quicker than what I'd usually run that I faded quickly!

    I'm definitely thinking of doing some park runs / 5Ks over the summer on my own though - then I can focus on my own pace.
  • chloeealicee
    chloeealicee Posts: 204 Member
    Where are you located hun! I have the same problem. I dropped out of the Color Run because I didn't want to do it alone.

    Good point, I'll run a 5k with you if your anywhere near London

    I'm in the Midlands in England. I would seriously love it if i could meet some people from mfp but distance is always an issue
  • m1311
    m1311 Posts: 103 Member
    All the other comments, plus...find someone here to "run" with. A bunch of rowers have their own category here, and we participate in virtual challenges together. It's really fun, because we share common goals of weight loss (or maintenance) and then we cheer one another on when we note that others have been meeting or exceeding their goals.
  • FitMe758
    FitMe758 Posts: 177 Member
    About 100 years ago I did a 5K by myself after finishing C25K (the first time) I didn't mind at all that I was by myself. I had a great time! I'm slower than molasses and I got pass by many geriatric runners, children and even a small dog! BUT, I had a blast and the sense of accomplishment was unreal.
    So I am really looking forward to doing another 5K (as a "newbie") at the end of next month. I don't have a partner this time either, but I'm just looking forward to the pretty scenery and the "Go me!" feeling after I get through the finish line.
  • TheChicGeekDee
    TheChicGeekDee Posts: 8 Member
    Chloe, try joining Parkrun and doing some runs. I love the social aspect of it, have made new friends and look forward to it every Saturday. It has even encouraged my youngest daughter, who is 16, to start running again because she knows that she is not on her own, and that she can run/walk it if she wants and that there are other teens there too.

    You will get to know other people and then find running buddies. It's free, so worth a shot :D
  • rbiss
    rbiss Posts: 422 Member
    Most people do not run together, and if you're really running, your not talking.

    I always sign up for stuff alone and make friends at the after party/festival/tent, then go take my shower. Once in a blue moon, I can talk someone into a race but we just meet up at the end.

    Go for it, 5k will be fun!!
  • 123stefania
    123stefania Posts: 167 Member
    Do it, I ran alone all the time and I like it. I'm doing a 5K in June alone too. I am not in super good shape but I think I can do it!
    I am currently doing the C25K running program. I'm at week 5.

    Just go for it, you will meet new people and maybye make some friends.

    I'm sure you can find a Running Club in your area, google it.

    We are not only one running alone!!!
  • jessmart83
    jessmart83 Posts: 283 Member
    I wanted to run a 5k so bad, but didn't have anyone willing to do it with me. I signed up anyway and did it by myself. I was really nervous about it, but once I got there and started the race it was fine. I didnt trip and fall like I was afraid of, and you probably wont be dead last. I ran faster than I have ever run in my life during that race. The other people there will motivate you to push yourself. I say just sign up and do it! You will not regret it.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,242 Member
    I'm just starting out, but I actually prefer to run alone, that way I don't have to keep up, or slow down for someone, just put in the earphones and go for it.

    A lot of them also have pre-race training groups, does yours? You might meet some new people!
  • soxobsessed
    soxobsessed Posts: 130 Member
    I ran my first race alone, I run most of my races alone, you usually find someone who runs at the same pace you can chat with

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