First 5K advice?!
MallieRose91
Posts: 159 Member
Okay, so my friend just asked me to do a 5K with her...that is on Saturday! It would be my first 5K, I would be very unprepared, and I was about to tell her no. Now I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and just do it. It is a glow themed 5K so I assume it is for fun as they want you to wear tons of glow sticks and even costumes. Butttt....I am afraid I will do horrible! Also, I live in Northern New York so it is already in the 40s here. This will be very late afternoon when it gets dark and I have no experience running outside in the cold at all. That is scary to me. I run on the treadmill and have got my 2 mile time down to 18:30. The treadmill in comfortable conditions is much different then outside in the cold though, plus I haven't ran 3 miles in months (hurt my knee but my last 3 mile was 27 minutes). Any advice? Should I skip it until I can properly prepare for another? If I do it, what should I wear since it will be cold and I have no clue what you are supposed to wear when running in the cold? Any advice, help, etc. is appreciated as I am completely new to this and am chickening out.
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Replies
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You'll do fine even if you walk the last mile. These themed runs like Neon Dash, Color runs, etc. are all about the fun, so there are a lot of walkers with friends and family just to hang out. Enjoy the entertainment the organizers are providing.0
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You don't have to run the whole 5k. Like was said above it is fine to walk, jog or a combination of both. Wear a wool hat, mittens, long sweat pants and thick socks, a sweater that you can remove and tie around your waist if you get hot.0
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I guess I just don't want to disappoint myself in how crappy I may do. haha I am going to buy the ticket tonight and hopefully go shopping tomorrow for what I will wear. Any recommendations on what to do with a water bottle? Id rather not bring a bag to have to run with but I also do not want to be carrying it the entire time.0
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Also, thank you to anyone who has or is answering questions and giving advice!0
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I'm about to run a 5k this Saturday, too. My best time on the treadmill is just under 30 minutes. Last one I ran was 8 years ago and I did it in 34 minutes, and I wasn't the last to finish. I think it sounds like you're more ready than you think. LOTS of people run 30 minute 5K's. Lots of people walk 5K's. It sounds fun and I say go for it.0
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Good thing about the gimmicky 5Ks like this is that 3/4 of the people will be walking, and it isn't timed - it's solely for fun... for a ~$50 entry fee.0
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I think it is a local fundraiser as a local business is doing it and has other local businesses sponsoring it. They are donating the money and so far 150+ people has registered which also makes me nervous there won't be a lot of people there to drowned me out. The registration is $30 but I get the ticket for $22. Not completely horrible. I think I am going to do it! Just preparing for it and going is going to be the nerve wrecking part! I walk to do my best and not just walk the entire thing though.0
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People will be signing up until the last minute. Your time is actually great! Most people average between 45-55 minutes in the "fun runs." You have nothing to worry about.
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No shame in doing the run/walk method. i.e. Run 3 or 4 mins & walk 1 min.
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/run-walk/0 -
Its a fun run. Most people walk them. So run, run slowly, run/walk, or walk. It doesn't matter. Just go and enjoy.0
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Who cares about time! Fast or slow, you're still going to same distance as everyone else. Just have FUN!0
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Who cares about time! Fast or slow, you're still going to same distance as everyone else. Just have FUN!0
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Just have fun and be proud!
I ran the Color Run in May and I was in the minority in running the whole thing at a competitive speed. These runs are much more about fun and the experience than they are about time, speed or fitness. Just go out there, do your best, walk when you need to, and enjoy this time with your friend! It sounds like it'll be a blast!
As for water, I originally intended on using a water belt, but found it wasn't necessary. I know the Color Run I did in Texas had water stations, so I wouldn't be surprised if your 5K did as well
Good luck! Have fun! And don't forget to be proud of yourself!0 -
Ditto all the above. Just have fun. You will get caught up in the excitement and do really well. I live in Fairbanks Alaska, 40 degrees is warm right now. Don't dress too warm you will be miserable. Running tights, long sleeve shirt and light running jacket and you will be good to go. Have fun. Doing a fun run this weekend for Halloween.0
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Walk don't try to outrun yourself. Have Fun
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Put a cooler full of beer in the trunk of your car, then you will finish real fast!0
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SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote: »Good thing about the gimmicky 5Ks like this is that 3/4 of the people will be walking, and it isn't timed - it's solely for fun... for a ~$50 entry fee.
This...i wouldnt even worry about racing this...just treat it like any other run and enjoy the atmosphere!
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If your knee can take it, do it! Just make it fun. I had the same feelings a couple of weeks ago when I did my first 10k walk. I didn't finish last! You'll do great!0
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Thank you so much for your help everyone! Keep any advice you have coming and I will be doing everything you all have said! I just registered so that I can't chicken out and am going shopping for some pants later as all I have is running shorts which I doubt would be warm enough for and I need to get some glow sticks and put together an outfit!0
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Just to re-iterate, don't worry about bringing water. I've done a few 5K's and I never bring water with me, it's too cumbersome. There will probably be water stations. Just have one waiting for you when you finish. Good luck, you're going to have a ball!!! Also, I like the idea of cold beer in your trunk...lol...0
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The only thing I would add is to buy running gloves, especially if you get cold hands easily. I love running in the fall, but my hands get cold quickly. When I don't have my gloves on, it's not nearly as enjoyable a run.0
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The most important thing is to finish! I just did my first 5K on Saturday and was so nervous that my heartrate averaged 168 the entire time (yikes! That is way high for me). However, I surprised myself by finishing 5/24 for my age category (30-39 females) with a time of 26:15 (pace 8:27). That's not my fastest time, but I am happy with my 1st race result and my new goal is to finish in the top 3 for my age group. It was 48 degrees the morning I ran and the cold air was a little tough on my throat -- however, I had just gotten over a week-long very bad sore throat, so that didn't help. Pace yourself!! Start off in a "warm-up" mode, then increase speed. I just kept it steady the whole time and didn't do the HIIT-type stuff I normally do on the treadmill or when I am running at home. Don't be afraid, and remember everyone is there doing the same thing as you. My next run will not be one where I am nervous! Enjoy!! Good luck.
ETA: I only started running in March (first time in my life, ever!) so ANYTHING is possible! I think your pace you have so far sounds really good.0 -
Thank you for all the feedback everyone! I know I will be a nervous wreck the day of but will have so much fun once it starts! I am going to wear my heart rate monitor and GPS sports watch to record my time for my own personal satisfaction. I am just going to do my best!
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The conventional wisdom is to dress as if it is 10-15 degrees warmer than it actually is. You may be a little chilly at the starting line, but you'll warm up fast once you start running.0
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regarding the water bottle situation... I literally tie my water bottle to me when I go running. it's got a loophole, and I tie shoe strings through it and wear it like a messenger bag. sounds silly, probably looks silly, takes some getting used to, but I don't have to HOLD my bottle in my hand when I get out there. have fun! stretch, stretch, stretch! 0
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lisaanne1369 wrote: »Put a cooler full of beer in the trunk of your car, then you will finish real fast!
^Quality advice right there!
Remind yourself that no matter what you're going to have a good day at this fun run, and here's why...
It is a GOOD day for simply crosssing the finish line.
It is a GREAT day when you cross the finish line in a totally doable time (say the 45/55 min average mentioned above)
It is an AWESOME day when you cross the finish line and beat a personal goal
The important part is to have fun and make it a good day!0 -
MallieRose91 wrote: »Okay, so my friend just asked me to do a 5K with her...that is on Saturday! It would be my first 5K, I would be very unprepared, and I was about to tell her no. Now I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and just do it. It is a glow themed 5K so I assume it is for fun as they want you to wear tons of glow sticks and even costumes. Butttt....I am afraid I will do horrible! Also, I live in Northern New York so it is already in the 40s here. This will be very late afternoon when it gets dark and I have no experience running outside in the cold at all. That is scary to me. I run on the treadmill and have got my 2 mile time down to 18:30. The treadmill in comfortable conditions is much different then outside in the cold though, plus I haven't ran 3 miles in months (hurt my knee but my last 3 mile was 27 minutes). Any advice? Should I skip it until I can properly prepare for another? If I do it, what should I wear since it will be cold and I have no clue what you are supposed to wear when running in the cold? Any advice, help, etc. is appreciated as I am completely new to this and am chickening out.
5k's are ALL about fun...
It's a fun atmosphere, usually some silly element to it (Roc race, color runs, zombie runs, etc)...SO relax and enjoy! If you have to walk a little, who cares! Better than sitting on the sidelines
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What do you guys think about the outfit I decided on? It is supposed to be around 45 degrees Fahrenheit with possible rain. I got a thin track jacket, a very thin long sleeve athletic top, and a pair of athletic pants. Too much? I am worried I will be freezing to death at the start and finish because afterwards is an after party that lasts 2hours. I will be alone and don't want to bring a bag or anything to run with. Advice?0
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My daughters did a glo themed race in the dark and it is a very different atmosphere than a 5 k during the day. This track was not well lit and so many people did not really run. They had a great deal of fun, but it was not really a serious race.0
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I really hope it is lit enough to run! It is going to be in our city park so I am guessing they will be using the street lights along the sidewalks...I guess I will find out when we get there
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