1st race ever (10k) in a week

[chickensrun]

Hi, I'm quite a newbie running, having only regularly been running for 6 weeks! I'm aiming for a half marathon, (using Hal Higdon's HM Novice 1 training program) - I wanted to have something to work towards and aim for as otherwise I won't do it. Running to help me get fitter, but also help me mentally and with my mood....

I have signed up for the Bewl Water 10k a week today as part of the training/to give me experience of a race.

I've only run 10k once (3 weeks ago), today I'm running 10k. Don't know whether to run it as a full-race practice (seeing if I can equal my pace/time 3 weeks ago), or whether to go slower so that I've got more in the tank for the actual race.

If I do that though, how do I know what pace to run at in the race next week?

I have plenty of questions and hope to post more over the following weeks and feel quite overwhelmed with all the stuff I've read online - never sure if I'm doing things the 'right' way - but kind of figure that at least I'm running and I'm following a plan, even if I run 'too' fast or 'too' slow? I have a bit of a base level of fitness, having tried to do more exercise since Christmas, but I'm not very quick compared to a lot of what I read online.

[Fran6500 Half Marathon]

I used that training plan in the last 2 years and enjoyed it. I am doing a Garmin one now to try and improve my time.

Good to have a plan and see what you can achieve. Do not compare yourself to anyone else!! We are all different ages and capabilities - just do the best you can and remember to take your recovery days according to the plan.

I cant answer your query re pace but I would say the Hal Higdon plan will be taking you thru different paces so might not be a good idea to try and "race" your 10k today. You do need to keep something in the tank for next week's race. The HM plan will help you build your pace and strength at the different distances so take the time and follow it.

Best wishes for your success xx

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

To me a week is plenty of time to recover, but how did you feel a week after your last 10K?

[chickensrun Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

I felt ok a week later but I will take it easy this week to make sure. Was wiped for a day or two.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to chickensrun]

Sounds like you'd be fine to try the faster pace then! xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Your first race? Exciting! Don't worry too much about pace on the day itself. Soak up the atmosphere and make sure you enjoy it. Bear in mind that you don't have to stick to one pace for the whole 10k. Begin with a conservative pace and if you're feeling good, then gradually pick it up. If there's something left in the tank for the last 0.5k then go for it and 'sprint' to that finish line! Race magic is powerful - the main thing to keep an eye on is not starting out too fast in all the excitement 😂

[chickensrun Half Marathon]

Thank you both! I appreciate your advice and support ☺️.Looking forward to next Sat, will try and relax and enjoy it and not worry about my pace or comparing to other people, and will try not to go out too fast.... I think I might have done that today!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to chickensrun]

It's hard not to! Good luck and have fun xxx

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

How exciting, totally agree with other’s comments. One little extra point- I don’t sleep well the night before 🦋🦋🦋so it’s good to get good sleep during the week.