This Saturday will make two weeks until my 5k. TWO WEEKS!!! I'm so nervous. I've improved enormously from where I started but I am still, by no means a runner. I see a runner as someone who does it almost effortlessly. Running for me is not effortless. Not even close. But, I have to give props to myself for sticking with it and for pushing myself a little bit further with every work out.
At this point I am completing the 3.1 miles in 40 minutes. It's right about a 13 minute mile. That's a combination of running and walking. The requirement for the 5k is that you do at least a 20 minute mile. So, hopefully, I won't be the last person to cross the finish line. I would love to better that time but I'm not going to push it. I'm going to keep on trying though and maybe by my next race I'll speed up a bit.
I do have some concerns about race day. I'm hoping some of you who have actually done a race can help me out. Here are my issues:
Do you warm up before the race? And how?
Right now I do a brisk 5 minute walk to warm up. On race day, can I walk to start out? Will the runners trample me? Or do I, like, do jumping jacks before the race to warm up? I'm just not sure how that works and if there is some sort of etiquette I'm supposed to follow.
Secondly, what do I do about a water bottle?
I need water while I'm running. I get a serious case of cotton mouth and NEED water. Right now, my treadmill has a cup holder so it's very convenient. But what do I do in the real world? When I have run outside I've gone without and it makes things so much harder. I've seen water bottle belts and arm bands. Have you used those? Do they work? Or should I just carry a bottle?
Lastly, what should I wear?
I have a pair of moisture wicking capris that I'll most likely wear but should I invest in a sweat wicking shirt too? Should I wear the shirt they give me in my race packet? What about a tank top? I'm trying to avoid chaffing as much as possible so I want something relatively form fitting. Oh, and I hate crew neck t-shirts when I'm running. They mess up the cord on my headphones.
So, all you race veterans out there, help a girl out! Oh, and any songs you have on your i-pod that get you over "the hump", send them my way. THANKS!
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7 comments:
Do I need to be standing at the finish line with a towel and your drink and water to wet you down? Whre si the race? Mom
Tricia,
I have never finished a 5K in under 40 so you are doing good! I always walked them with a baby carriage. My race is a week from Saturday and I can finally run all 3 miles, not gracefully and Kevin said I look like I "have to poop" when I run, but oh well!
I decided to pose your questions to Kevin since he is the veteran runner and always finished in the top 5, last race he was 3rd overall.
Here is our interview:
E-Do you warm up before the race? And how?
K- I start by walking and then I do a slow jog of about a mile before the race, and I focus on breathing.
(advice to Tricia) the 5 minute warm up walk is the way to go, line up a little after the starters and run the whole thing.
E- do you use a water bottle?
K- no, they usually have water stops every mile and try to chew gum.
If you feel you have to have one, they make small, lightweight ones that lock into your hand or look into a very small "camelback" back pack
E- what should she wear?
K- shorts and tank top that are known to be comfortable, not something brand new that might irritate you and you won't know it until the race day.
I hope this helps! You, Kristen, and I are "taking 30 by the balls" and running with it, literally!
I am SO excited for you! I am looking into a 10K the same day, have pushed back my 1/2 marathon to October since it's too hot to run outside; 2 hours on a treadmill is death.
As for your questions: DO NOT go and buy something new, or at least run a couple of times in it (ie, shorts, capris, tanks etc). Make sure that what you wear will not distract you (ie shorts falling down, shirts riding up). I did my races in capris (they don't go anywhere and aren't as hot) and a v-neck t-shirt. That's what I mostly run in anyway so I knew that it would stay put. I hate crew neck shirts too, gags me.
As for the water, if you are comfortable with carrying water do that. No need to buy anything. Kev is right, they do have water stations throughout the course. If you want to know exactly where they are either look at the race map or contact the director. There should be at least 1-2 for a 5K, more for FL in Sept!
You will likely do the race at a faster pace, adrenaline kicks in and make you do better. For the warm up, just start walking a bit before the gun. Stay back from the front of the pack, some of these people will think it's the damn Indy 500 or the NYC Marathon. Stuns me how some of these people will finish this race in 15-20 minutes (this would be Kevin :), doubt he even touches the ground) fart in the wind for them. Like a Gazelle. Blows my mind every time. I feel like Barney trotting down the road, never mind looking like I have to poop! You will not be the last one over the finish line. The thing to do at the end is to look back, makes you feel good that you at least beat "those people". I caught myself toward the end of the 10K saying as I passed people "I'm better than you green tank top lady, yellow shorts guy". Felt good.
Good luck and I will be thinking of you that day! Just think how much better you are today than 2 months ago! Take that, 30! Oh Em, I am sure you don't look like you're taking poop, come on Kev!
Kristen in the dweeb that didn't let you know who wrote that post. What a tard!
Thank you all so much for the advice! I'm glad I can learn from your experiences. I will definitely follow all your advice!
Mom, the race is 9/26. I'll email you more details.
Kristen, you crack me up about the "better than you" comments. You better believe I'll be using that one!!
Em, if you look like you have to poop when you run, I probably look like I haven't pooped in a year and I'm trying to push one out...Gross, I know. Oh well, whatever gets us through.
Good luck to you Emily and Kristen!! I'll keep you all posted on how I do!
Can I come watch?
Lindsey, Of course you can come watch!! Everyone is welcome.
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