Running a 5K for the first time on Sunday. Any advice or tips would be appreciated

2

Replies

  • BruinsGal_91
    BruinsGal_91 Posts: 1,400 Member
    Have a great time, if you're feeling low at any point, say hi to a marshall! We love it, and you're guaranteed an extra big cheer if you acknowledge us :)

    I've got a 5k tomorrow, and you can be sure I will be saying hi to the marshalls. You guys rock.
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Hey Neighbor! :) I'm in Mechanicsburg. I lived in Liverpool briefly in the early 90's.

    Take it easy and enjoy the experience. And if you want to keep running after this send me a message. There are lots of resources in this area with 1000's of runners.

    Good luck.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Have a blast! GotR is a great program.

    My advice is to pee before you leave home, then any other chance you get whether you feel like you have to go or not (particularly if there is a long line to the bathroom). Having to run a race when you have to pee sucks.

    One other thing, thank all the volunteers.
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member
    Thank you all so much for the advice. Just hearing from all of you is making me feel better and more confident about doing this. I kind of needed that so I appreciate it.
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member
    dewd2 wrote: »
    Hey Neighbor! :) I'm in Mechanicsburg. I lived in Liverpool briefly in the early 90's.

    Take it easy and enjoy the experience. And if you want to keep running after this send me a message. There are lots of resources in this area with 1000's of runners.

    Good luck.
    Thank you, I will let you know if I decide to continue doing this.
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member

    I'm not a runner, never have been

    But you will be eventually if you keep running. I was not a runner myself a year ago but now I can do a half-marathon, and I will run my first h/m race next week. My advices is take it easy, dont rush it, go with what you feel at that moment and enjoy it!

    eventually?! rubbish... OP did C25K, OP is a runner!

    :smile: Thanks
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member

    I'm not a runner, never have been

    But you will be eventually if you keep running. I was not a runner myself a year ago but now I can do a half-marathon, and I will run my first h/m race next week. My advices is take it easy, dont rush it, go with what you feel at that moment and enjoy it!

    I haven't decided if I am going to stick with it or not. Quite honestly I have had extreme tunnel vision the last 2 months. I'm the kind of person who when I decide to take on a challenge I go after it pretty hard. I believe this is why I over trained last week because I felt so much pressure with the race coming up. Anyway, I hate running, I always have. That being said, that feeling I get after a long run is almost like being high. I feel completely demolished and yet completely unstoppable at the same time. It's a very strange feeling and I really enjoy it. I also enjoy being in better shape. For now though it's just all about finishing this race without stopping. Next week I don't want to even look at my treadmill let alone run on it but I will definitely need to move on an find another challenge at some point which could be as simple as being able to do a 5K in the spring in a much faster time.

    Thanks for the encouragement and good luck with your half marathon.

    Wow... this sounds all too familiar! When I did my first 5 km race last year in April I too said I don't even know if I'll keep it up. Now I am gong to train for my first half in the spring!! Yes I hated running, but then I got better at it!!!! Now you can't stop me rain, shine or now snow!!!! Maybe your next challenge will be to train for the next 5km to beat your time on this race! That's exactly what I did!!! Have fun!!!!!

    Good luck training for your half marathon.
  • RichardChubb
    RichardChubb Posts: 5 Member
    I suspect that by the time you see this post you'll have completed your run- if not, then best of luck! Lots of great advice already here- eat your normal breakfast, don't change anything on race day, don't start out too fast, hydrate, and enjoy the experience. For what it's worth, I've run various distances, from 5k to full marathon and every time I've tried a new distance, I've been a nervous wreck on the start line. The nerves tend to vanish as you cross that line and focus on the job in hand. Hopefully the race experience will inspire you to do more 5k runs and, who knows, maybe you'll be contemplating a 10k before too long!
  • ChaleGirl
    ChaleGirl Posts: 270 Member
    Good luck! I'm running my first 10k this morning and it's chucking it down with rain!!
  • bketchum1981
    bketchum1981 Posts: 130 Member
    Drink in the experience! My first 5k that I ran was the Hockeytown 5K. A farewell event to the Joe Louis Arena. Been a long time fan of the Red Wings. Highly motivating to think I would finish center ice.

    It's all about you! Enjoy.

    PS That was the first of five events I've done this fall including a Tough Mudder.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Yay!!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    edited November 2016
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Mwah ha ha.... welcome to running... what's your next race going to be?!
  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Well done.

    Take some walks this week rather than just resting. It'll help your recovery
  • Philtex
    Philtex Posts: 1,286 Member
    Way to go! Thanks for the race report.
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Hmmmm.... Well... There's a 5 mile race in Duncannon on December 31st. :)

    Congrats and thank you for supporting GOTR.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I knew you could do it! Way to go.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    This (the bolded section) always surprises me. Racing paces are always faster than anything I could achieve during training runs.

    Congrats. Next challenges? Faster and longer.
  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    ChaleGirl wrote: »
    Good luck! I'm running my first 10k this morning and it's chucking it down with rain!!
    Hope it all went ok. The weather is miserable today. Tail end of Storm Angus I think.
    I'm doing the London Winter 10k (my first one) in Feb and am dreading the possibility of rain.....or snow.
  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    dewd2 wrote: »
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Hmmmm.... Well... There's a 5 mile race in Duncannon on December 31st. :)

    Congrats and thank you for supporting GOTR.

    Well done, sounds like you got the bug.
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member
    Felt great yesterday all day and night after the race. Woke up today feeling like my legs went through hell. Planning to get back on the treadmill this weekend though. Thanks again.
  • atjays
    atjays Posts: 797 Member
    I was late to my first 5k and missed the official start. Forgot my headphones in the car, frantically had to try to fasten my number to my shirt. All said, nerves are natural and fine. Have fun and enjoy it. While I was scared that it'd be full of professional marathoners, I was shocked at the diversity of people of all various fitness levels. I had no shame in walking half the event. It was probably the highlight of my summer. Hope you have fun, you'll be hooked and doing various races all over the place soon!
  • Philtex
    Philtex Posts: 1,286 Member
    Woke up today feeling like my legs went through hell.

    Two words: Recovery run
  • PaulaS1220
    PaulaS1220 Posts: 61 Member
    Congratulations!! The best thing to do now, is register for your next one. :smiley:
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    PaulaS1220 wrote: »
    Congratulations!! The best thing to do now, is register for your next one. :smiley:

    this!
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    Philtex wrote: »
    Woke up today feeling like my legs went through hell.

    Two words: Recovery run

    and stretch and if you have access to one - foam roll
  • FatMoojor
    FatMoojor Posts: 483 Member
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Congrats!
    So quickly the runners high is replaced with the runners low of "what now". Next is a couple more 5ks, then you'll want to challenge yourself on a 10k. Soon a 5k will just be a warm up and 10ks will be the norm.

    Then you'll want to know what all the fuss about the half. Half's will come and go and you'll be on the starting line for the full 26.2

    You'll cross the line of that first 26.2 with a much better understanding about yourself, how to push on when you really want to just curl up and die, what you do when the going really is tough. But you will do it and the high will be amazing.

    From there, there is only 1 way, longer and longer and longer, 30 miles, 75km, 100km, 100 miles, multi-day events. There is always a race somewhere.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    FatMoojor wrote: »
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Congrats!
    So quickly the runners high is replaced with the runners low of "what now". Next is a couple more 5ks, then you'll want to challenge yourself on a 10k. Soon a 5k will just be a warm up and 10ks will be the norm.

    Then you'll want to know what all the fuss about the half. Half's will come and go and you'll be on the starting line for the full 26.2

    You'll cross the line of that first 26.2 with a much better understanding about yourself, how to push on when you really want to just curl up and die, what you do when the going really is tough. But you will do it and the high will be amazing.

    From there, there is only 1 way, longer and longer and longer, 30 miles, 75km, 100km, 100 miles, multi-day events. There is always a race somewhere.

    then throw some swimming and biking into the mix and discover the world of triathlons...the sky is the limit
  • TimothyPhoenix
    TimothyPhoenix Posts: 79 Member
    FatMoojor wrote: »
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Congrats!
    So quickly the runners high is replaced with the runners low of "what now". Next is a couple more 5ks, then you'll want to challenge yourself on a 10k. Soon a 5k will just be a warm up and 10ks will be the norm.

    Then you'll want to know what all the fuss about the half. Half's will come and go and you'll be on the starting line for the full 26.2

    You'll cross the line of that first 26.2 with a much better understanding about yourself, how to push on when you really want to just curl up and die, what you do when the going really is tough. But you will do it and the high will be amazing.

    From there, there is only 1 way, longer and longer and longer, 30 miles, 75km, 100km, 100 miles, multi-day events. There is always a race somewhere.

    That was very poetic :)
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    FatMoojor wrote: »
    Just got home. I was able to run the entire race without stopping. I ran it in just over 35 minutes, which was about 2 minutes faster than my best time during training. The first mile I set a pretty easy pace and just kind of got my legs and breathing going. The second mile I picked up the pace considerably, maybe a little too much because the last mile was pretty rough. I was pretty much on auto pilot for that last mile and just toughed it out until the last 100 yards or so which I emptied the tank on and sprinted. It's really strange though, because I worked so hard for two months and accomplished everything I wanted to but on the way home I started to have this slight feeling of let down that it was all over. I guess I need to find the next challenge, but after I take a week off and just relax. Thank you everyone so much for all of the kinds words and support, it honestly helped me out a lot.

    Congrats!
    So quickly the runners high is replaced with the runners low of "what now". Next is a couple more 5ks, then you'll want to challenge yourself on a 10k. Soon a 5k will just be a warm up and 10ks will be the norm.

    Then you'll want to know what all the fuss about the half. Half's will come and go and you'll be on the starting line for the full 26.2

    You'll cross the line of that first 26.2 with a much better understanding about yourself, how to push on when you really want to just curl up and die, what you do when the going really is tough. But you will do it and the high will be amazing.

    From there, there is only 1 way, longer and longer and longer, 30 miles, 75km, 100km, 100 miles, multi-day events. There is always a race somewhere.

    I'm up to a half - no urge to do a marathon at all.... well.... not really.... :laugh:
This discussion has been closed.