10k in a few weeks and nervous!

[ReyC]

Hi all.

I’ve signed up for the vitality 10k on the 25th Sept.

I worked up to 10k a few months ago but then had a few bouts of illness that really effected my running - pace and distance.

I’ve been doing 3 runs a week for the past 6 weeks, a 5k, a long run and a 15min recovery run. It’s been good and I’ve take. It slowly and did 8k this past week. I really do r want to overdo it before the day but given my schedule it looks like the week before I’ll do 9k. I don’t really want to try to squeeze another long run in before the race but is it a problem that I haven’t reached 10k?

Probably overthinking it but could use some wise words!

[damienair Administrator]

Don’t worry about it. You’ll be fine. On the day itself you’ll be fine and you will be pulled along by the crowd of other runners and the atmosphere. Just take it easy at the start and don’t go out faster than your comfortable pace. If you get very tired take a little walking break and move again. You’ll be fine. Enjoy 😊

[ReyC Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks, that’s helpful!

I had the same anxiety about parkrun as I am a very solitary runner but was ok I the end and buoyed up by others and atmosphere like you say.

I did make sure I’d done lots of 5ks before I did a parkrun so that’s my main concern.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Not at all ReyC, in fact it sounds like you’ve timed it perfectly. In your last week I’d suggest you just taper with a 20 min, 15 min and 19 min run and then do the 10k race and you will feel fresher. My advice is to make sure you stick to your current pace in the race and if you’ve got the energy towards the end you can go for it a bit more. Many of us get carried away with other faster runners meaning we don’t run our own run. Good luck and enjoy.

[ReyC Graduate10]

that’s really helpful, thanks!

I was wondering if I should squeeze more in but I think that sounds sensible and will dial it back and rest up.

[Yesletsgo Graduate10]

I did (my only so far) local 10k last year. The furthest I'd run was 8km but I decided 'now or never' and just went for it.My running pattern was very similar to yours. I decided I'd just see how far I could get, and if I could finish in less than 90 minutes and maybe not be last that would be fantastic.

On the day, another woman started chatting to me about 2km in. We were doing the same sort of pace, it felt very easy and we crossed the line together in just under1hr 20m. About 5 runners finished after us. It was fantastic.

So I'd definitely advise you to do it. Set your expectations realistically, take jelly babies to keep your energy up and enjoy it.

Ooh, and let us know how you get on 😁

[misswobble Graduate10]

No, it’s not a problem. 9k is enough 😀. You’ve done the work and race day adrenaline will carry you over the line 😀💪👍🏅

Relax, have fun and enjoy the experience

Good luck 😀👍

PS my first 10k race turned out to be a ten miler 😬 I didn’t know til I pitched up at the start line I did it though and lived to tell the tale 🫣