Calling all Runners! First 5K coming up - Any advice?
DAM_Fine
Posts: 1,227 Member
I've been running for a while now, but it's always been just for myself. It clears my mind, lifts my spirits and makes me feel good about my body and myself. I have never followed any program or attended any running clinics. I just ran.
Friends here, past and present, have convinced me by their example that it's time to step it up to the next level. So - my first 5K run is this coming Saturday and I'm nervous and excited about that.
Does anyone have any advice about what I should be doing these next few days to be fully prepared?
Friends here, past and present, have convinced me by their example that it's time to step it up to the next level. So - my first 5K run is this coming Saturday and I'm nervous and excited about that.
Does anyone have any advice about what I should be doing these next few days to be fully prepared?
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Replies
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Give yourself a day or two off from running before, but other than that, treat it like any other run on any other day. Relax and enjoy!
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Enjoy it! The best piece of advice I got form my coach before my marathon was to "behave." What he meant by that was to start off slower than you normally would and about halfway through slowly start to pick up your speed to your comfortable running pace for the last mile or half mile. This way you will finish strong - that's always the best way to finish!
Good luck!0 -
I am so excited for you! How did you start running? I want to do a 5k by Thanksgiving, but just dont know how to start or if that is enough time for me to get there...any advice would greatly be appreciated. Have a great run!!!0
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If you've been running for awhile now, this should be super easy for you. The other runners gave great advice. Above all, relax and have fun! It really is a festive atmosphere - smile a lot and enjoy it! :happy:0
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My Bestie is doing the Couch to 5k program. Otherwise both Prevention Mag and Runner's World have frequent articles on how to start a running program for beginners. Usually it is walk 1 min run 30 seconds and repeat for about 20 minutes then you build on from there. I love a Turkey Trot 5k myself. What a great way to start Turkey Day! Best of Luck! 0
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bump0
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You are going be great! Start easy and build your speed. Most importantly, hydrate!! Good luck!0
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treat it like any other run!
it still is for you 0 -
This is a great post
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race
My additional suggestion on top of that - stick around and cheer on some runners after you finish. Always makes a good race atmosphere and always appreciated.People are always shy to do that but it makes a great race.
Eta - oh and good luck and have fun!0 -
HAVE FUN!!!!!0
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Start mid pack, have fun and run the way you trained. You'll do great. Good luck!0
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Have fun! Start out slow and try not to get confused at the start when everyone is crowded together. Find a pace u feel comfortable with after the crowd breaks up then just run!
I am sure this won't be your last. My husband is running with me in a few weeks and I am so excited for him to have his first. I will always remember the first time I crossed that finish line. I was so proud of myself. :flowerforyou:0 -
Download couch to 5k app. Its a running program that uses intervals to help u get in shape to completely run A 5k.Its easy and great, you'lll be in shape way before thanksgiving.0
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The best advice I've read is - nothing new on race day!
Race day is not the time to try out new socks or bra or iphone holder or breakfast.
Oh, and - don't start out too fast.
Enjoy!0 -
Download couch to 5k app. Its a running program that uses intervals to help u get in shape to completely run A 5k.Its easy and great, you'lll be in shape way before thanksgiving.
Not sure what you mean. I already run - this is just my first 5K - and its on Saturday, not Thanksgiving...0 -
bump0
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agree w/ the others that say 'don't try anything new on race day' - particularly w/ regards to food.
ask for help if you need help w/ your chip timer, etc.
remember to have fun!0 -
And another one I just remembered - take a few spare safety pins for your race number. Just is case they run out (which happened at my second race - lucky I was able to call my niece and drag her out of bed to deliver safety pins for me). I made new friends too, by having some spares!0
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I am running my first 5k on Saturday! I am so excited and so nervous! I am trying to place in my age group so the pressure is on! That morning, I am going to get up at 7am, have a bagel w/ peanut butter, a banana, and a water. Head to the race site about an hour before the race. Sign in, get warmed up, and get ready to ROCK!!!!
My race strategy is as follows:
- Start out at a comfortable and relaxed pace, not too fast, not too slow (Aiming for a HR of 150-160).
- When I hit the 1 mile split, increase my speed a little more.
- When I hit the 2 mile split, increase my speed a little more from mile 2.
- During the final mile, I am going to be picking someone ahead of me and "catching up to them", do it again once you pass this person.
- Once I see the finish line, I am going to sprint like there is a psycho killer behind me LOL!!!!!! Shave off those last few seconds!!
Like I said, I am going to give it my all! Good luck to you on yours as well!!!!0 -
I am so excited for you! How did you start running? I want to do a 5k by Thanksgiving, but just dont know how to start or if that is enough time for me to get there...any advice would greatly be appreciated. Have a great run!!!
There's a free programme called C25K (Couch to 5 kilometres!).
Simply upload it to your iPod/MP3 player or phone, put on some running shoes and go for it! You simply run three times a week for around half an hour. It starts off gently with 60 seconds of light jogging mixed in with brisk walking. I started last week and I'm really enjoying it. If I can do it anyone can!
All the info and the links to free apps and podcasts are here: http://www.c25k.com/
There is also a group on MFP you can join: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k0 -
I do a 5K with some friends every year at Purdue. This year at mile one one of the guys cheering on the sideline yelled "the worst part is behind you!" - which was totally not true because there was a huge hill for pretty much all of mile 2 coming up BUT it made me laugh the whole time and I just kept thinking that over and over to myself the rest of the race. So just remember - after mile one - no matter what is actually going on - the worst part is behind you!!!!0
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I am running my first 5k on Saturday! I am so excited and so nervous! I am trying to place in my age group so the pressure is on! That morning, I am going to get up at 7am, have a bagel w/ peanut butter, a banana, and a water. Head to the race site about an hour before the race. Sign in, get warmed up, and get ready to ROCK!!!!
My race strategy is as follows:
- Start out at a comfortable and relaxed pace, not too fast, not too slow (Aiming for a HR of 150-160).
- When I hit the 1 mile split, increase my speed a little more.
- When I hit the 2 mile split, increase my speed a little more from mile 2.
- During the final mile, I am going to be picking someone ahead of me and "catching up to them", do it again once you pass this person.
- Once I see the finish line, I am going to sprint like there is a psycho killer behind me LOL!!!!!! Shave off those last few seconds!!
Like I said, I am going to give it my all! Good luck to you on yours as well!!!!
Sounds like a great plan. Have to estimate the HR though, since I don't have a monitor yet. A guy I work with used to run a lot and he said: Get a good night's sleep two nights before you run; don't use new running shoes; eat a half banana with your breakfast the day of the run - and a cup of coffee; don't run the day before; don't think about winning - just have fun!0 -
Like you, I just ran!! Haha. I'm only into my 3rd month running and I've been running 5k for a month now. The only thing I can think of is hydrate, start slow (which I only started doing this evening) and like the other person said, stay and cheer other people! It's like any other run! Most of all, have fun!
Curious to see what others think. I'm looking to sign up for a race soon!0 -
I am so excited for you! How did you start running? I want to do a 5k by Thanksgiving, but just dont know how to start or if that is enough time for me to get there...any advice would greatly be appreciated. Have a great run!!!
i found my training plan here
http://fromcouchto5k.com/articles/training/the-couch-to-5k-training-plan/
this site gave me a 10 week program. i am currently on week 5 and can run 12min. when i use to not be able to run 30sec.0 -
I am running my first 5k on Saturday! I am so excited and so nervous! I am trying to place in my age group so the pressure is on! That morning, I am going to get up at 7am, have a bagel w/ peanut butter, a banana, and a water. Head to the race site about an hour before the race. Sign in, get warmed up, and get ready to ROCK!!!!
My race strategy is as follows:
- Start out at a comfortable and relaxed pace, not too fast, not too slow (Aiming for a HR of 150-160).
- When I hit the 1 mile split, increase my speed a little more.
- When I hit the 2 mile split, increase my speed a little more from mile 2.
- During the final mile, I am going to be picking someone ahead of me and "catching up to them", do it again once you pass this person.
- Once I see the finish line, I am going to sprint like there is a psycho killer behind me LOL!!!!!! Shave off those last few seconds!!
Like I said, I am going to give it my all! Good luck to you on yours as well!!!!
That's a great tip! Thank ya! And good luck! 0 -
Hi did a 5k yesterday, best advice keep to your own pace don't try to keep up with anyone else.
Turn on music if the scenery is not all that, it stops the boredom.
Think of a reward for yourself like a pedicure or eyelashes hair etc. Am getting my hair done. Oh am have fun ha ha0 -
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