Advice please, first event: Hi, I’ll be going... - Bridge to 10K

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Advice please, first event

Ava12 profile image
19 Replies

Hi, I’ll be going to my first organised event on Sunday it’s 10k. I’m worried that it’s a bit premature since I only ran my first 10 last Saturday, but have been building up since completing C25k in the spring and run 2-3 times a week. A friend asked me to join her and I said yes although I’m not sure I’m really ready. I ran 6 on Tuesday and 8 this morning. My question is should I go out again on Saturday morning for a short run or hold off now until the event? I’m not sure how I’ll be with so many other runners around, I don’t want to feel pressured into haring off and petering out! Any tips please including should I eat breakfast? It starts 11 am. Thanks so much.

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Ava12 profile image
Ava12
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19 Replies
Skiddle1 profile image
Skiddle1Graduate10

I'm no expert runner but why don't you just see it as a fun thing to do with your friend and whatever you achieve is better than not going at all?? You have done amazing getting to where you are now and you never know, the atmosphere might help you achieve the 10k anyway. I'm sure others have much more professional running advice than me though. ☺️ Good luck if you do go.

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to Skiddle1

Oh thanks, I really should lighten up a bit. I hadn’t actually considered it could be fun! so worried am I about the outcome. I’ll concentrate more on “it’s the taking part that counts” element and stop overthinking it perhaps 👍😊

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Good luck for your 10K run on Sunday, I think you should wait until Sunday, that will make you feel fresh after a few days off running.

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to AlMorr

Thank you AlMorr I’ll do that.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10 in reply to Ava12

👍

RunaroundSue profile image
RunaroundSueGraduate10

I wouldn't run now until the race. Take it easy, enjoy yourself. Personally I would have a small bowl of cereal but that doesn't suit everyone.

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10

Would agree with others and wouldn't now run again untill the event, I would also have a light breakfast if it was me .I sometimes run around 10:30 am in which case I have a light breakfast often porridge at around 8:30.

Enjoy the run 😁👍

sparky66 profile image
sparky66Graduate10

Good luck with it ☺️ you could do a nice long walk a couple of days before the race..

Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before..

I like a smoothie about 40mins before a longer run.

take it slow to start with.. and most of all have fun running with your friend ⭐

Harvs9 profile image
Harvs9Graduate10

I did my first ever 10k race a couple of weeks ago, and even though I run 10k once a week by myself I was absolutely terrified!! But I needn’t have been, it was brilliant. I would still eat breakfast like you usually do and drink loads the day before. I never drink enough usually but I was obsessed with making sure I was fully hydrated and considering I got a PB and did it fractionally just over the hour I really think it worked! Good luck 👍

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to Harvs9

Tremendous and well done. Thank you for sharing that with me I’m really grateful to hear what works for people and dare I say it, even looking forward to this a bit more now!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

Ooh how exciting! I love races and haven’t done one in ages ☹️ so you take me with you!

Ok, you’ve done the distance before so you can do it again. Don’t run now until Sunday but go for a walk the day before to loosen up. Continue as normal with stretches or whatever you do.

Drink plenty of water today and tomorrow and keep well hydrated but don’t drink too much the morning of the race (you don’t want water jiggling around in your tummy)

Eat normally but be mindful of your evening meal on Saturday - no curry or highly spiced food, nothing new, etc.

Have your usual breakfast on Sunday morning and give it time to digest - try and “go” before you run so you’re running with an empty bowel.

And you’re all ready! Don’t go off too fast which is hard to do because the excitement and adrenaline tells you otherwise and can make you go like the clappers! But try and pace yourself, run slowly, take walk breaks if you need to. It’s your first race so forget about time, you just want to finish.

Enjoy the whole experience, it’s fabulous🥰

Then, a big smile when you cross the finish line and I hope there’s bling involved 🏅

Then come here and tell us all about it!

Good luck, have a ball 😊

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to Irishprincess

So many tips, that’s lovely of you to reply thank you. Bling! Hadn’t considered it, I’m definitely not backing out now 😀

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply to Ava12

Bling is the only reason I run races 🏅🙂

Nannyshirl profile image
NannyshirlGraduate10

I concur with everything said in the replies. I have completed a few 10K races before lockdown and they really are fun. Although they are called races really they are just fun runs, some people sprint , some people run, some people jog and some people walk. whatever you do and however far you run its okay because running is a community and everyone is supporting everyone. I say enjoy your run, enjoy the atmosphere and you will be surprised how quickly it will be all over and as others have said enjoy the bling if there is any involved.Good luck!!!

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to Nannyshirl

I really hadn’t considered I didn’t have to be running the whole distance so that’s nice to hear you say actually, it doesn’t matter how I get round! Thanks 👍

Frenc profile image
FrencGraduate1060minGraduate

How exciting! Yes, definitely don’t run again until Sunday, and just have fun. I’d start out nice and slow and just enjoy yourself 😊.

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate10

Unless you want to come first, then just enjoy getting round! Run at your own pace to avoid crowd pressure making you run too fast. Have fun 🤩

Ava12 profile image
Ava12 in reply to HeavyFoot

I’ll be happy to get over the finish line and I’m glad it’s cooled down today. Will be the first time I’ve run without my music or Laura in my ear but hopefully I’ll just settle into a rhythm without them. Thanks so much.

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate10

You'll be awesome I'm sure! How'd it go?

🐱 Katnap 🐱

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