Going to run 5k...for the first time ever!

dakotababy
dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
A few days ago at the gym, I was warming up on the treadmill. For the first time, I did not hate it! I actually was able to zone out, increase my speed and went for it hard!

I decided (as I will be doing a 5k in September) to go for the whole 5k's tomorrow morning!* Now...I hope to have the same reaction as I had the other day at the gym, and I am even debating what I should eat in the morning to fuel this run.

Please note that typically I can not run for more than a minute...though the other day surprised me when I went for 15 mins straight (sprinting) no problem!

Any tips?

*I will not be sprinting this, I will be going at a speed walk/light jog pace and I do intend to take many breaks to finish this.

Replies

  • mowree
    mowree Posts: 74 Member
    I do best running on an empty stomach in the mornings. If you must have something, carbs are better for fueling a good run.
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    I tend to get low blood pressure/dizzy spells if I don't eat. I typically eat, and then about 1 hour late I find I have good energy to complete a typical workout.

    I was going to load up on protein! :D Thanks so much for your response, I will eat something with higher carbs.
  • RUNNING_AMOK_1958
    RUNNING_AMOK_1958 Posts: 268 Member
    I eat a few bites of a waffle made with light bisquick, a little butter, and a touch of syrup. I wait about a half hour. Since 5K is a short run, this should tide you over.
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    If you are going the 5K distance on the treadmill for the first time, I would start out pretty much on a straight run... (I do this and only average probably 5-6 mph. Most local 5Ks run at about 6-6.5 mph on average but we all have to start where we are. I would gradually increase speed. Another thing to factor in is if you have been doing a straight run, soon, you will need to start factoring in some incline along the way... Please note that most 5Ks (or other races for that matter) are not run on level ground. This will help prepare for the hills that you will encounter. Eventually, of course, you will want to start running some in the countryside to prepare for real race conditions.

    Congrats on making this transition. I hope to eventually run a 5K myself but I have not yet made that leap of faith. These are just some thoughts that have crossed my mind as I have been trying to increase my running to the point that I can run a 5K eventually...

    Best wishes.
  • thavoice
    thavoice Posts: 1,326 Member
    HIGHLY recommend putting the treadmill on at least a 1 incline. That will help a bit with the friction of the ground and pushing off to spring yourself forward. On the TM the belt itself does much of the work and the cushon system makes it a softer ride.

    Many people will comment on they throught they were doing well running...until they actually went outside.

    I would recommend using the TM just when needed and go outside to run.

Categories