First 10K entered. Advice please

[BJ56]

After starting C25K in January and completing it in March, I have managed to continue running regularly 3 times per week. I normally go out first thing in the morning, after just a cup of coffee. I've now entered my first 10K in a couple of weeks. As It starts at 10am - I will definitely need to eat something first. Does anybody have suggestions on best things to eat before running (I guess I will try to eat around 8am - to allow time for breakfast to settle before the start).

In addition, any suggestions on the best way to run the 10K (race)? My objectives are simple: run the complete distance; don't get injured, and don't worry about the time (so I will starting at the back and plan to stay there). So beyond starting slow - anything else I should think about?

Since graduating C25K, I found myself getting so stressed by apps measuring speed and distances that I now run without any - so no idea how far I normally run, but on my weekly long run, I am up to running (slowly) for about 75mins, so I think I should be able to do this.

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[Denbo64]

Well I run quite slowly too, 6k the furthest I have done sofar. But if I could do 7 mins at my speed, would likely get me to 11k, so I definitely think you can do it!!

[misswobble Graduate10]

That’s a good plan. Just enjoy it . You’ll be given a time at the end or you can log on to the race website for results

I would eat a breakfast two hours before the race start time. I always weigh out 50 grams of porridge oats and make it with water. Milk is not good to run on ! You could have a banana half an hour before the race, or even half a one, if needs be. Weetabix is ok or peanut butter and jam on toast (white bread preferably as its easier to digest)

Stay well hydrated. Drink well in the week before the race and up to race day Get some sleep too

You might like to take some sweets in your pocket and maybe a drink

Enjoy yourself. Good luck 👍😃

[Colinsmith in reply to misswobble]

Why is milk not good to run on misswobble? Just curious really! I usually have some cereal with milk and banana before a morning run.

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Colinsmith]

You might be ok on it but it makes me very nauseous indeed. If you are ok then go ahead as it’s very nice 😋😃

I dunno whether milk has anything to do with lactic acid production (Rig will know) 😃. Even a coffee with more milk in would set me off 🤢 I have a black espresso instead 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Colinsmith in reply to misswobble]

The thing I have trouble with before a morning run, say Parkrun, is getting everything, erm, ‘settled’ before I start off. 😊 I have a fast metabolism and I think the adrenaline before a run does me no favours in that department. So I can feel quite wiped out and weak by the time I set off regardless of breakfast. Sorry...TMI! (and sorry for hijacking your thread BJ56 - good luck for your race. I do track my runs with an app, but find it much nicer not to check it until the run is over, and just pace myself naturally)

[Marvo69 in reply to misswobble]

Porridge. With water! That's no advice!😄

[Decker]

If you are not concerned about time you should be fine Denbo. Just take your time and run/walk if you need to. Eating a little something beforehand may help your stamina for the race (and your training runs too). I notice a real difference in my energy if I eat or not before a longer run. Normally I have a half bagel with peanut butter and a banana with a coffee and that seems to work well. Check the weather on the race day and dress for the conditions too. If it will be hot, bring some water in case the lineups at the water stations are longer. Also you can check the race route for any big hills or challenge areas to ensure you can be ready for them. And most important, try to just enjoy the moment when you are out there!

[misswobble Graduate10]

It’s funny innit. I hated peanut butter before I started running Love the stuff now 😋

[BJ56]

thanks everyone. I love porridge - but made with almond milk and almond butter (normal post-run breakfast) - so I think I will just go with that early on race (or maybe I should just say - run) day. Even though I don't eat before I run - I do find a massive difference to how I feel depending on what I ate the night before.

I was also (for once) very organised and picked my first race because - it doesn't have any big hills, and strangely - I am just very excited about doing it. And, having never done one before - so long as I get to the end - I cant help but get a PB (and the slower that is - the easier it will be to improve).

[Nictwit]

I think you need to do at least one practice run at a similar time before the race so you can practice eating and see what happens. Sounds like you've got nothing else to worry about though - 75 mins should get you there or thereabouts and the adrenaline from race day will do the rest!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Well done - depending on the speed you run, I think you will probably find you are running 10k or certainly close to it.

My breakfast before an event is the same as every other day - porridge (made with milk for me - not had any problems myself) with blueberries, strawberries, almonds and half a banana!! I usually eat two hours before a run. I think your idea to set off near the back is good, as it is so easy to get swept along with the speed merchants at the front!! There will most likely be at least one water station but check this out beforehand if you are likely to want water because it is so nice not to have to carry any. Most importantly, enjoy and lots of luck on the day!🙂

[Lola-rola]

Hi I have just entered my first 10 k run and it's also in a couple of weeks. Like you I finished the C25K in beginning April and I m bridging to 10 k with Ju Ju's plan. Only just finished week 5 8k so I think the final 10k run will be the race! Done 3 park runs which I find enjoyable! Good luck with your up coming run.

[BJ56 in reply to Lola-rola]

Good luck Lola-rola.

As part of getting ready for my 10K, I did my first park run yesterday, which I really enjoyed. Just after I graduated C25K, I went to have a look at my local park run - but it had a big grassy hill (at least - big to me!) which you have to run up twice - and I thought it would be too much for me. Yesterday - I started slow at the back and spent the run slowly overtaking people who had set of fast and then slowed down - and I even ran up the hill both times (past lots of people walking). It was a great lesson in running at my own speed and being disciplined enough to ignore what others are doing. And I even managed to practice eating breakfast before my run.

I'm running my 10K on June 10, so please let me know how you get on - and if yours is before mine - any learnings that might help me

[Lola-rola]

Yes I will let you know how i get on. My 10 K run is scheduled for the week before, Sunday the 3rd June. I've chosen this run because it is mainly flat! I'm not ready for running up hills. I do my local park runs (3 times now) because it's nice and flat!! Take care and happy training for you run.