My First 5k
MissusSpags
Posts: 109 Member
So, I recently tried the Couch to 5k program. Made it through Week 4 and then decided it felt too "regimented" for me. I ended up just upping my distance each week, little by little.
Comfortably, I can run 2.5 miles without too much effort. 2.75 if I'm feeling cocky..lol.
Tuesday of this week, my 12 year old son told me he'd been chosen by his middle school to sing the national anthem at the start of 5k road race on Saturday. I checked out the website for the cause and before I could even think, "What the heck am I thinking?", I registered to run.
Wednesday, just to prove to myself that I'm not a complete whackadoo, I went to my regular trail and ran 3.1. All at once..without walking once. Got in my car and cried tears of utter and complete joy.
I'm really hoping that I'm ready for this but if you can all keep me in your thoughts tomorrow morning at 9am, I'd be grateful.
Comfortably, I can run 2.5 miles without too much effort. 2.75 if I'm feeling cocky..lol.
Tuesday of this week, my 12 year old son told me he'd been chosen by his middle school to sing the national anthem at the start of 5k road race on Saturday. I checked out the website for the cause and before I could even think, "What the heck am I thinking?", I registered to run.
Wednesday, just to prove to myself that I'm not a complete whackadoo, I went to my regular trail and ran 3.1. All at once..without walking once. Got in my car and cried tears of utter and complete joy.
I'm really hoping that I'm ready for this but if you can all keep me in your thoughts tomorrow morning at 9am, I'd be grateful.
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Replies
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you got it.
tomorrow at nine I'll mid 108 sun salutations so anything to take my mind off the 108 chatarangas that go with it0 -
Congratulations! That is a huge success!0
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Congratulations!! What a great achievement, you are definitely ready for the 5 km distance, no question. If you haven't done a running race before my one piece of advice would be to not become overwhelmed at the start line. It's a big crowd with a lot of energy and when the gun goes off a lot of people get caught up and sprint off at too fast a pace. Try and stay relaxed and in your own headspace ignoring everyone around you. I usually listen to music right before a race to get in my own zone. Then just try and pace yourself like you would in a training run. If you have some gas in the tank push it at the end, if not just enjoy the experience of your first race.0
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Well done, that's fantastic.
So much of achieving a new distance is believing you can, and not letting your brain talk yourself out of it partway through!0 -
Congrats! I know how hard running feels when you're first starting out and how amazing it feels to accomplish that distance! Nothing can stop you now!0
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I've never run on pavement before for my runs. I'm a little scared about that. The trail I run on is dirt and pine needles. Hoping my ankles hold out! Thanks everyone for the support. I'm trying really hard not to psych myself out. I'm also used to running while listening to music but the race website says no headphones. Eek. Can't wait to hear myself huff and puff to the finish line.
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Good luck! You will do great!0
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I have no doubt you'll do great!0
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You'll smash it.
Relax and enjoy yourself. It will be over before you know it and you will then start revolving your life around your race schedule before you know it...0 -
I've already started scoping out other races...lol. I'm just afraid of training during the winter months in Massachusetts!0
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Well done for finding your own way to success! That first 5k is a bit of a nail biter - I'm pretty sure I cried just before the race from nerves
I wanted to run my whole first 5k but just couldn't - but I still finished, and that's what I was going for! I started WAY too fast (well, not compared to everyone else, but certainly compared with my training) and burned out pretty quickly.
Either way, you've accomplished lots and you'll keep going on to bigger and better. Be careful, it's addictive!0 -
Congrats! Running is 50% training and 50% mental. You can do this!!! Good luck tomorrow!0
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Warning!!!!! 5Ks are a gateway race. The rush you get from crossing that finish line is addictive and pretty soon you start having crazy ideas like running a 10K, a half-marathon, a triathlon......
Have fun!0 -
fantastic! you've GOT this! you're well trained, and you know you can go the distance. as fernt21 said, your adrenaline will be pumping so try not to go out too fast, but even if you find you have to slow down (or walk), there's no shame in it. make the goal to cross the finish line. no matter how long it takes you, it will be your Personal Record! as far as not having your earbuds in, just sing songs in your head (lol). it helps to keep your feet moving in cadence and your mind off the distance left to go.
and HAVE FUN!
please let us know how the race goes!0 -
You guys are awesome. Just saying.
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Anyone know the "This is the song that never ends...it just goes on and on, my friend.." song? I'm thinking that might be what I sing in my head tomorrow..lol. Except it will be "This is the RUN that never ends..."!0
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MissusSpags wrote: »Anyone know the "This is the song that never ends...it just goes on and on, my friend.." song? I'm thinking that might be what I sing in my head tomorrow..lol. Except it will be "This is the RUN that never ends..."!
Ha!
I think it was Paula Radcliffe who counted from 1-100 and then started again from 1 over and over in her head when she was racing to distract her mind. In most cases your mind will insist you stop before your body does.0 -
Well done and why on earth not! The couch to 5k is a great programme, its how I started running too but it is just a guideline.
You're going to rock it! I agree completely, a 5k is mostly mental training. Enjoy the atmosphere and wearing your race number. There is something wonderful about feeling like a part of a group of runners!
I did my first 5k in June (after a 2 year "break" from running) and I was so similar. I had a song in my head too which became my mantra "Every little part of my body is happy, I love my body, my body loves me". It really helped me push through any mental barriers that came up.
Very best of luck and let us know how you get on.0 -
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Pavement will feel strange but it is also easier to be more efficient. Take it easy, relax, and have a ton of fun!0
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Good luck, can't wait to hear how you get on tomorrow.0
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I am up and getting in the shower...wheeeee!0
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You got this! Enjoy!0
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MissusSpags wrote: »So, I recently tried the Couch to 5k program. Made it through Week 4 and then decided it felt too "regimented" for me. I ended up just upping my distance each week, little by little.
Comfortably, I can run 2.5 miles without too much effort. 2.75 if I'm feeling cocky..lol.
Tuesday of this week, my 12 year old son told me he'd been chosen by his middle school to sing the national anthem at the start of 5k road race on Saturday. I checked out the website for the cause and before I could even think, "What the heck am I thinking?", I registered to run.
Wednesday, just to prove to myself that I'm not a complete whackadoo, I went to my regular trail and ran 3.1. All at once..without walking once. Got in my car and cried tears of utter and complete joy.
I'm really hoping that I'm ready for this but if you can all keep me in your thoughts tomorrow morning at 9am, I'd be grateful.
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Good luck I started training for 5k June 29th in the beginning just walking now I can jog the whole 5k now at 34 minutes and 54 seconds hope to do my first 5k this fall0
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Aaah best of luck to you!! I'm supposed to be running my first 5k at the end of next month. I've been trying the couch to 5k thing as well, but I've been stuck at week 4 and not found the ability to push further. I actually came looking for advice on that, and I may just go ahead and try your method of just pushing the distance a little further each time I go out.
Also, good luck to your son with the singing bit. That's a pretty cool honor to have.0 -
Hoping this works! Such a great day!
https://runninglikeaturtleblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/race-day/0 -
henrycook88 wrote: »Good luck I started training for 5k June 29th in the beginning just walking now I can jog the whole 5k now at 34 minutes and 54 seconds hope to do my first 5k this fall
You can do it!!!! It's so exhilarating! So much more than I thought it would be.
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shinycupcake wrote: »Aaah best of luck to you!! I'm supposed to be running my first 5k at the end of next month. I've been trying the couch to 5k thing as well, but I've been stuck at week 4 and not found the ability to push further. I actually came looking for advice on that, and I may just go ahead and try your method of just pushing the distance a little further each time I go out.
Also, good luck to your son with the singing bit. That's a pretty cool honor to have.
Yeah, I started out walking really fast and then when I wasn't really winded doing that, I'd jog for a few tenths of a mile and then walk for a few tenths. I'd slowly increase the amount of tenths I was doing until before I knew it, a mile had gone by. Did that for a few weeks on the rail trail near my house which is a total of 3.2 miles. Now I usually walk the first .2 miles and run the rest, cooling down in the parking lot before heading home.
You can do it!
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Well done MissusSpags! Awesome job!
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