Just ran 5K for the first time!

[Run_for_life]

Two days after graduating, I had a training run for a 5K trail race this weekend, and having previously only managed 4.1K, I thought I would just try and run 5K, and did it! I focussed on running and distance, not on time, which was a lot less stressful!

I’m going running with my partner in Crystal Palace park (it’s lovely!) tomorrow evening (the first time we’ll have really run together for any length), then some cardio the day before the race.

Wish me luck!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Well done on your first 5km, as someone who’s stopping ground is Crystal Palace Park my advise is go slowly up the hills and shorten your stride, they do have a few, look out for the dinosaurs and gorilla, they help to keep you going. Have a great run together. Rfc x

[Run_for_life Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks. Am worried a bit about hills, and will try your advice. I’ve not seen the dinosaurs for age, and will try to find them again!

[Hidden in reply to Run_for_life]

I'd be more worried about the dinosaurs and the gorilla. Just don't look behind you

Good luck with your race at the weekend!

[Run_for_life Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I’ve never run with other people before, and I was wondering if I should encourage my partner and his sister-in-law who are running the longer 10K race along the 5K track (two loops of it) and his brother who is doing the 5K to run with me or not. Apart from holding them back maybe, I assume it can be a help to run with others at the same pace (my slow place or theirs) for support?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Run_for_life]

My 7km run goes round the dinosaurs 😀.

Personally if I were In your shoes I would run at my own pace and let the others run at theirs. There will be other runner who will be at your pace and you will find you stick together and spur each other on. I have often encouraged complete strangers on a run and vice versa. I did a race with my neighbour and she wanted to stay with me but being a slower runner I knew that would make me try and keep up with her which would tire me out too quickly. Most important thing though is to have fun with it.

Rfc x

[Run_for_life Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks for this. I’ll run with my partner tonight in the park, but I think you are right, it’s not going to be great getting others to speed up (unlikely) or slow down for me on a race! I’ll try and find the dinosaurs, and will get up to the old Crystal Palace building site.