New to the 5k lifestyle...

cschu544
cschu544 Posts: 320 Member
edited October 5 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey MFPers, so I just signed up for my first 5k on Thursday morning (Thanksgiving) called the Gobble Wobble! This is a pretty big step for me, and I'm really excited I'm finally doing it! I'm curious what you have as tips for a first-time 5k racer (other than training).

I would love to hear some of your stories so I get motivated for Thursday! Oh, I'm also really nervous...

Replies

  • Kougra
    Kougra Posts: 358 Member
    I did my first 5k this past September. Actually the first one in over 25 years. Be sure to eat something before hand. I didn't and it made me a little nauseous at the beginning. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! I didn't run it but I finished it and it was the greatest feeling EVER! You can do it!!! GOOD LUCK!!

    I am currently training to do my first 10k in May. The Bolder Boulder.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I started running in February and have done 2 10ks, 3 5ks, and one half marathon so far. I only had one "bad" race and that was one of the 10ks, due to issues I was having with the heat. Otherwise, they were all fun and interesting experiences.

    Most important: Enjoy the experience and have fun!

    Depending on the weather in your area, wear several thin "dri-fit" layers...but don't overdress. The standard is that you will feel a bit chilly standing still in your running clothes, but you will warm up as you start moving.

    Go at your own pace and take walking breaks if you need them.

    Don't eat or drink anything different the morning of a race...do what's worked for your previous runs.

    Can't think of anything else right now...feel free to add me, I like talking to other runners ;)
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I did my first 5k this past September. Actually the first one in over 25 years. Be sure to eat something before hand. I didn't and it made me a little nauseous at the beginning. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! I didn't run it but I finished it and it was the greatest feeling EVER! You can do it!!! GOOD LUCK!!

    I am currently training to do my first 10k in May. The Bolder Boulder.

    Yay, another Coloradoan! My first race after starting to run last year was the Bolder Boulder...looking forward to doing it again this year.
  • Kougra
    Kougra Posts: 358 Member
    I did my first 5k this past September. Actually the first one in over 25 years. Be sure to eat something before hand. I didn't and it made me a little nauseous at the beginning. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! I didn't run it but I finished it and it was the greatest feeling EVER! You can do it!!! GOOD LUCK!!

    I am currently training to do my first 10k in May. The Bolder Boulder.

    Yay, another Coloradoan! My first race after starting to run last year was the Bolder Boulder...looking forward to doing it again
    this year.
    That is so awesome. I am doing it for the first time! I am going from a non-runner to runner. This will be the first 10k for me. Definitely going to do some 5ks in between as a runner instead of a walker.
  • cschu544
    cschu544 Posts: 320 Member
    Hey I've heard of that 10k, but I figured I should master a few 5ks before I take on the big boys. Haha!
  • world2c
    world2c Posts: 175 Member
    I agree with the eat something before your run - for me, I love an english muffin with peanut butter and I normally eat it at least 1.5-2 hours before race time, but stick with water as your beverage of choice pre-race.

    As far as the actual race goes - stick to a pace that you feel comfortable with- it's easy to get swept up with the whole quick take off bit, but most of those people will be walking before they reach the first mile. Just keep moving- it's exciting!!! Also, remember the true race is to better yourself - both in how you feel and in time.

    Afterward, keep your bib and put your time on it. I like having mine up in my cube at work, and any time I get a better time, I replace it. It's a great motivator.

    Hope you have a lot of fun on your first race!!!

    PS - feel free to friend me if you want, I run most days and post it. I've done many 5ks (going to do a series in 2012 so I can get a jacket), 10ks and 2 half marathons... Just signed up for the princess half marathon in Feb, and going to attempt my first full next November.
  • world2c
    world2c Posts: 175 Member
    Also, don't be nervous. You will have a lot of fun!!! Turkey Trots/Gobble Wobbles are always the best!!!
  • awtakontrl
    awtakontrl Posts: 31
    yay you!!

    i did my first one just last month. i started running in may and was very nervous as well! it had been almost 20 years since i'd ran, ran!!

    make sure you eat something light. they say to eat alotta carbs the day before, i did, but not too many. the morning of i just had cottage cheese with an orange.

    if u're allowed, wear headphones to keep ur mind busy, otherwise, just look ahead and concentrate on every step. i didn't look too far ahead cause it would look too far :)

    have fun, most importantly. you will be so happy when you're done!!!

    good luck!!
  • Kilter
    Kilter Posts: 188 Member
    Congrats on signing up for your first 5km! Woo hooo!

    Tips for your best and most memorable race day :

    1. It's your first race, get someone to take a picture of you before and after and heck, in the middle of the race if you can arrange it. You'll proudly remember doing this race in years go come, have something to look back on.
    2. Take 5 minutes in a quiet space (or in the absolute middle of the crowd, just by yourself) and just relax. Let go of the stress and just calm down. You've done the training, you've paid the money, you're wearing the timing chip. You've done the hard part. Now relax and enjoy the pay off.
    3. Save the shirt until the end. Yeah, you'll see lots of folks running in the shirt, but save it until the end when you've earned it. You'll finish hot and sweaty and having a race shirt to put on that's clean and fresh and that you can wear for the rest of the day with pride just rocks.
    4. Don't go out to fast with the crowd. Run whatever pace you've trained at. You'll be excited, but don't kill yourself in the first 10 minutes. There is an old race saying "In the first half of the race, don't be an idiot. In the second half, don't be a wimp." Sound advice from Scott Douglas of Running Times magazine.
    5. HAVE FUN!

    You'll rock the race and have earned an extra bit of stuffing as a result.

    Have a great day, looking forward to hearing all about it.

    S
  • Kougra
    Kougra Posts: 358 Member
    Also, I forgot to tell you, don't get caught up the start of the race madhouse at the start of the race
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    have fun.
  • Christine021467
    Christine021467 Posts: 6
    Hi there, I am also new to running 5k's. I ran my first one the end of July and have done several since. I am doing the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving in Portsmouth. My runs have changed since I started. The first one was to see if I could actually do it. It was a gradual hill up the first 1/2 and then downhill the 2nd half. You will get a great high when you finish this (you will on others too, but there is nothing like your first 5k, or hitting a best time) and will be ready to sign up for your next one. Word of advise, remember that alot of the other runners have done this before, so you may find that you will start off fast and then be really tired quickly. I would recommend getting into your "zone" as quickly as possible and find your pace. Good luck and have fun!
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