First 5k race on Saturday

[kitt66]

Since graduating I've done a few more 30 minute runs but also had a week of no runs when on holiday. On getting back into things on my return I realised I wanted a reason to push on, rather than the vague aim to become a stronger runner. I looked up local 5K races, as we don't have Parkruns here, and found one nearby for this coming weekend. So on Saturday I'm going to take my first try at running a 5K race.

In view of this and the fact that I hadn't actually ever run 5K I decided to see if I could start stepping up my running times in the hope of keeping the required walking periods in the race down to a minimum. I wasn't sure how to do this and assumed I'd just start adding a few minutes on much as the programme pushed up from 25 to 30 minutes. So on Monday my only goal was to run for at least 31 minutes and in the end managed 35 minutes. I was really pleased with this so for today's run the aim was 36 minutes but as it was my last pre-race run I was happy to see if I could push on from there a little further. As it was I checked my time at ~32 minutes and was wondering if I'd best stop at 35 minutes as I was definitely starting to feel some tiredness. However, I pressed on and the next time I looked I was at 43 minutes! So, decided I could manage that final 2 minutes and ended up having run 45 minutes. Even more promisingly I finally hit running 5K.

I can hardly believe this, in less than 3 months I've gone from not running to running 5K. I am amazed. One thing that also has surprised me was after graduating I've switched from music to listening to podcasts and they are certainly making it easier to keep my mind occupied with thoughts other than about running. I always assumed I needed the music to keep the pace but seemingly not so much. Still a little wary of the race situation - how to avoid trying to go too fast when surrounded by people who can run faster, a new route etc etc. However, I do feel thrilled to know that all that work on C25K means I've built up enough stamina that I can continue to extend my running times without needing to inch up 2-3 minutes at a time - not that I'm currently thinking of going much beyond 45 minutes at the moment as I'd then have to get up even earlier to get my running in before work.

I have 2 days rest now before the race. Any advice at this stage for approaching my (first?) race?

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Enjoy and all the best for sat x

[Hidden]

I am so happy for you; reaching 5k; that is the next big milestone after graduation. well done! Made me laugh too that you don't think you'll go further....Watch this space

I have never run a race so have no advice to give. I'm sure that you will be fine, just keep up the positive mental attitude that has brought you this far on the journey Enjoy it

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Pace yourself and have fun!!

[Hidden]

Pace yourself and run your own race, hopefully with a small smile

[MarkyD Graduate]

That’s great!

One word of caution: you only need to increase the length of one of your runs each week. Try and do a 30 minutes run, a shorter recovery run and then the long run.

At the race, concentrate hard on not setting off fast. It is human nature to run at the same pace as everyone else, but that will be too fast & you could get tired and dispirited. Let the crowd race ahead and run slowly: after 10 minutes you’ll have fallen into your natural pace.

[indigogogo Graduate]

Have fun and try to keep a steady pace. Oh, and have fun

[nurseljh Graduate]

I'm so excited for you! I also graduated recently and have my first 5K race on Dec. 16th. I am making my first practice attempt at a full 5K tomorrow. I'm a bit of a slow runner so I'm heading out planning to run as long as it takes to hit 5K!!! Gotta go for it! The best advice I've received in this lifestyle change I've made: LIVE EVERY STEP! If you think about those words, you'll appreciate the pain, the sweat, the highs and lows, the problems, the lessons! Best wishes, my dear! Let us know how it goes! What specific goals do you have for the race? Run it all? A certain time?

[kitt66 Graduate]

Thanks everyone for the advice and support. I am happy to say I managed to complete the run though the final 500m was seemingly endless. I hadn't been expecting such a lot of runners either. Over 300 ran the 5k with another 130 running the 10k. So the start was more about finding some space. I was passed a lot but at least managed not to end up dead last and was happy to pass this hurdle. Now back to consolidation runs for a bit.