5 k Tips

[Florida04]

Hi everyone I have been running from February . I have my first 5k and so nervous . I have my self beat before I even go . I actually don’t know what my pace is . I use strava and it is saying pace 6.54 but there is no way I downloaded Nike and it said 17 . Which is not rught. Any advice please to get me through next Sunday would be most appreciated . X

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

How exciting for you! Is it an event? The (Fun beyond 10k) and Race Support board will give wave pom poms for you when it’s time. Just let them know.

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Top tip? Forget about pace if you’re used to running by effort. You’ve done the training and you’re ready. I’ve also got an event on Sunday and I’m bricking it. All sorts of doubts about getting to the end even though I know logically that’s ridiculous. Nerves are normal! Magic will happen on race day and the atmosphere will get you through. When the nerves strike, just remind yourself of every mile you’ve run in preparation for this - you’re strong and you’re fit and you’re in a great position to just enjoy yourself.

Have you set a specific time goal or add you aiming to finish with a smile? For your first one, I’d suggest the latter is a great way to approach it. It’s tempting to start fast because of the excitement of race day, but try and hold to a comfortable pace for you. Then lock in to that feeling and let your legs do what they’re used to. Do what you usually do with music (if headphones are allowed). Know that there’ll be moments where you are finding it challenging and they’ll pass. Crossing the line you’ll feel like a total hero.

Before even day, think about your kit and your travel. Allowing plenty of time is always good. Take safety pins for your race number-I forgot that on my first one! Focus on sleep and eating well this week.

Honestly, you’ve done the hard bit to get here. You’re going to have a super time and there’ll be loads of virtual run buddies cheering you on here!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Like MissUnderstanding says, you've got this. You've trained, you know you're capable, nerves are natural.

The numbers on Strava and NRC can sometimes be all over the place - I ran 3k the other week, NRC said it was 5k (and a PB lol, I wish). The numbers are less than important, especially the first time you do this.

I know how you feel. The only event I've done is a 10k and I knew I hadn't trained enough. I set myself 2 goals: (a) finish it (b) don't be the last. By aiming low it felt like a success, even though only 2 or 3 people completed the run after me. Take the pressure off yourself, running 5k is an achievement in itself.

So just have faith in yourself. You can do it, you know this right?

Let us know how you get on.

[Cmoi Graduate]

 MissUnderstanding and  Yesletsgo have given excellent advice.

I'd just like to add that knowing your pace is utterly irrelevant for completing your 5k. If you're running in an organised event, all you need to do is turn up at the start, and follow the route to the finish. The time you take is neither here nor there.

Of course, you might well want a record of your run on Strava, but it's perfectly possible to use neither watch nor mobile. I don't record all my runs - doesn't mean they didn't happen!

Have fun!

[drl212 Graduate]

Deep breaths!!!

Way to go for signing up to your first 5K!! You've got this!!

I agree with MU - Forget about pace. This is your first, go out and just enjoy. There will be more races in the future where you can work on pace and PB's.

My advice is not to get pulled along with the crowd. I'm a slow runner and always start at the back and try (not always succeeding) to set my own pace.

All the best and do let us know how you get on...

[Florida04]

thank u everyone I I will let u know how I get on. All I want to do is finish don’t care about time just finish . Thanks everyone x