W9R3 will be in my first 5k run. Need advice!

[5Kb460]

I plan to join my daughter in a 5k organized run. This has been my motivation to run every other day, rain or shine, and the timing works out that w9r3 will be the big event. If all goes well, I should be able to run 30 minutes, but that won't get me to 5K. I know that once I slow to a walk it's hard to start up again. Do I try to keep running and walk the finish line, or walk early on with a plan to run the remainder. I need a plan. I'm a female, late 50's desk job reformed couch potato, so finishing this race with some sort of style means a lot to me.

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I am only going to give you my own opinion, no advice ! I would just start slowly and keep on running after the 30 mins for as long as possible, (imagine how awesome you will feel if you manage to run all the way to the end !) I wouldn't 'plan' a walk break because you may very well not need one, what with the atmosphere of an organised run. Anyway very good luck for your event, you've done very well to get to this point.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

watch yourself at the start, events tend to be very exciting at the beginning and it is so easy to start off really fast then get a bit out of puff. Even if that happens it's not the end of the world slow your pace right down and get your breath back. Look at your course before the day and get some sort of bearings as to when you could sneak a walk break in if you need it so you can finish on a running flourish. Good luck and as we always say on Here the most Important thing about the day is you have fun and enjoy it. Looking forward to the event report.

[Rignold]

which week are you in at the moment?

It rather depends how far you are covering in 30 mins by then. If it is 4kish, then you will probably find the adrenaline and atmosphere on the day will carry you to the end without really noticing. If much less than 4k, try taking short walk breaks of a minute or so towards the end.

[5Kb460 Graduate]

Thanks everyone. First 5K event done! The adrenaline rush gave me a good start. I live in a very flat area and the course had a few gentle hills which were tough. Crossing that finish line felt amazing! I did a few short walks but finished under 39 minutes, which was my goal. I would recommend that graduating and increasing endurance and speed first, along with a varied terrain would be a better plan, but for me, running with my daughter and husband in this event was huge motivation. Thanks to c25k. Thanks for your replies.

[smurf1303 Graduate]

Congratulations on your first 5k, very impressive