Our first 5k and I'm nervous!

It will happen but nobody will care that you're walking. And you likely will not be the only ones doing the same thing.

You should be proud of yourself for doing it... you have to start somewhere! I have my first 5K run coming up in October and I'm nervous too but at least I'm doing it!

Lots of people walk 5ks, so don't worry about it.

But yes, if the 10k starts at the same time, people will likely complete it before you complete the 5k. Hell, if there are cash prizes, the 10k frontrunners will finish before a lot people who are actually running the 5k. They will be running their own race, not worried about you, so just go out and enjoy your time!

Eta: If the 10k starts after you, and the leaders are hot on your heels, just stay to the right and out of their way.

Once the race begins all that anxiety melts away. Don't worry about all that junk. It's your race, no one elses. GO FOR IT!

Like the others have said, don't worry about your speed, just enjoy the experience and remember to smile when you cross the finish line!

One of the beauties of races (whether you're walking or running) is that your only competition (unless you're an elite runner) is you. Your first 5K sets the basis on which you can measure improvement, it's also only fair to say that racing can be addictive!

It's your race to have fun with however you like, but be mindful that others are out there for the same reason. Stay to the left, and be alert to people passing you, and don't force them to go on your right.

Tons of people walk and even if you finish last-- you beat all the people who are still at home sleeping or those sitting on the couch.

Yep.

I agree with ALL these comments! Go have fun and no worries, everyone is there with their own objective. I have done many 5k's and I don't even think about those around me. Most runners get into a zone and they only see the road ahead of them. Yes the 10k runners will finish before during and after you, but your aren't wearing a beacon saying I'm a 5k'er I'm slower than you. They have no clue and don't really care as they are in their own zone also. Just enjoy it. It's an amazing experience and take it all in as you only get to do your FIRST of anything once

So, my husband and I signed up for our first 5k to take place on Saturday. We will be walking, not running. I'm a bit....okay, a lot nervous about it. There is also a 10k run going on at the same time and I'm worried about people finishing the 10k before we finish the 5k! lol We've been doing a few 5k walks to get prepared and we get it done in about the 58 minute mark. Is that like, super slow? I'm just nervous and needed to get this out. Thanks for reading.

Hubby and I recently completed our first 5k walk. Our time was lower (him 59 min, mine 61 min) because we had the grandkids with us. Their parents were to run the 10k and 5k respectively but one dropped out of the 10k because of a respiratory illness. We were about 10 min into the walk when the first 10k runner passed us! I personally found walking the 5k a breeze because I walk that much and then some most days. Hubby did quite well for not being very active. When it comes to the runs/walks don't worry what others are doing. Get into your zone and worry about you. These types of events are a lot of fun and you get to meet a lot of like-minded folks. There is another event coming up shortly that we are registering for, both as walkers. Enjoy your walk and have fun!

It's your race to have fun with however you like, but be mindful that others are out there for the same reason. Stay to the left, and be alert to people passing you, and don't force them to go on your right.

I think you meant to say " Stay to the right".

It depends on the run/walk. The one we just completed was walkers on the left, runners on the right.

All this. Nothing is more annoying than having to run through a crowd of walkers, dogs, and baby buggies all spaced out.

Congratulations on approaching your goal of completing your first 5k!! I hope you have a blast, enjoying every second of it!! I am sure there will be some 10k Runners blazing past you, that's their race, not yours. You do your walk and have fun and I wouldn't be surprised if you walk a lot faster at the race then what you do at home. Keep us posted!

Depending on the course, you may pass runners going in opposite directions. My first 5K was a 5K, 10K, and Triathlon. There was a turn where people were going in both directions. Although it was obvious that the 5K was a struggle for my friend and me, and many were running much faster and further than we were, they were encouraging us. Almost every one that passed us said things like, "You're doing great!" "Keep going!" We also do a 5K every year with our kids that has a turn around. On the way to the turn we pass the faster runners who shower the kids with encouragement and attention, which they just love. After the turn we pass the walkers who are behind us and they do the same. Depending on the race, there may also be spectators cheering everyone on along the path.

I honestly think finishing my first 5K was one of the proudest moments of my life. I was running with a friend who had never ran a complete 5K distance, so I was pushing her a little bit. We crossed the finish line at the same time to a bunch of people cheering for us. I was really proud of my friend and proud of myself too.

I hope you have fun! Good luck!

I was about 40 pounds overweight when I first started walking/jogging. I walked for about a month at a pretty fast pace (4MPH). After that month I got bored of walking and started walking/jogging with the jogging part about 1 minute and the walking 2 minutes. After about three months I was running for 30 minutes at about 6MPH. I finally signed up for a 5k after about 6 months of working out with a goal to be the 30 minute mark. To my surprise I did it in 26 minutes flat. I was shocked! Don't be nervous, crank your music and go at your own pace. Once you've done your first one you'll be addicted, I promise!