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Runner's Forum: First race / fun run! - in UK

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkayald
    • CommentTimeMay 20th 2008
     
    kayald

    I am due to run my first 5k with a couple of friends in early June (race for life).  We are all very inexperienced and finding our feet as we have built up to running continuously for about 40-45 minutes.  We think our time for the 5k will be about 35 minutes - so pretty slow.

    I am keen to continue running after this but need something to aim for. Therefore I am considering entering a 10k in October to give me the motivation.  I dont think my Friends will continue so I will be on my own.

    Will I be completely out of place running a 10k at such a slow speed?  I dont mind coming last but dont want to make a complete fool of myself running in really slowly whilst the officials are waiting to go home!!  Please let me know what you think and if I need to work on my time first.  Its the only thing that is stopping me from entering the 10k at the moment.

    Thanks

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberteemo70
    • CommentTimeMay 20th 2008
     
    teemo70

    It doesn't matter what speed you do it at! You wont be making a fool of yourself.

    The Bupa Great Manchester 10k was on Sunday (link to results here @ http://gmr.realbuzz.com/) The roads were closed and marshalls were out on the course for about 2.5 hours after the last group started so you'll have no problem!

    Pick a big event and the crowds will get you round in a personal best!

     Good luck!

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeJun 3rd 2008
     
    B-Grrrrl

    Race for Life '06 gave me the running bug so beware!! Smile

    I did a 10k last year which was a little more difficult than I anticipated, and was in amongst the back few runners home. I think you get more encouragement from supporters and marshalls than you would if you were in the front or the middle of the pack.  I was a bit disappointed in my time but I've entered the same race in 2 weeks time to hopefully make some improvment on last years effort!

    I agree with Teemo - find a race with a large support crowd and they will help you along if you're finding things a bit tough. 

    Good luck at Race for Life

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLexB
    • CommentTimeJun 3rd 2008
     
    LexB

    Do It! You'll love it! But be warned it is addictive! I can highly recommend the great gorilla run which is in London, probably in September (?). I did it last year after about 2 months of running. It's 7k through London but in a gorilla suit. That makes it pretty tough going (I had to take the mask off and was just cooking by the end) but it was just the best experience ever. About 1000 nutters on the streets of London in various gorilla costumes and with what felt like the whole world cheering you on (spectators along the pavement, buses stopping so that everyone can open the windows and cheer you on). And all the bananas you can eat at the end. Plus they arrange an after party and stuff. I fully recommend it, if I wasn't in Vancouver I would so be doing it again! 

    After that I didn't run again at all really until the end of January when I got to Vancouver. I quit smoking at new year and decided to fill the void with running & joined a club. In March I did a 5k race (about 27 mins) and in April I did a 10k race (54 mins), now I am training for a half marathon in October. if I can do it, any one can!

    Don't worry about your times. 35 mins is quite respectable for a 5k, there's no way will you be bringing up the rear! Plus you have time to train and improve your times, if you start a proper training schedule then you will find your speed and stamina will both naturally increase dramatically. The key is not to over-exert yourself tho, which is why I would suggest following a proper schedule. 

    Also, post your training in the Official training summary thread in the runners forum. That's great motivation, reading the adventures of the other newbies and the amazing feats of the 'hardcore' runners.

    Good luck!  You can do it!

    Lex 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Membervickifit
    • CommentTimeJun 3rd 2008
     
    vickifit
    if it takes 30 mins or 300 mins,you'll love it! i did a race for life couple of years ago.tha achievement of just finishing is great not to mention the fantastic reason that your helping to save lives too. you'll have great time
  6.  
    lisaelliott

    Hi,

     You will be fine. If you are running a 5k in 35 minutes between now and October if you continue your training you'll probably be a sub 60 finish or very close to it.

    I did my 1st 10K race in April this year and managed a 63 minute finish over quite an undulating course in Sutton Park, Birmingham. My fastest 5k currently is about 32 minutes so you are more or less on par with me.

    Believe me there are all types of runners at 5k, 10k, 1/2 Maras and full maras.  Most newbies always think they will be last, I had the same nightmares but I was quite far from last and I didnt care if I was as it was just setting  challenge and completing it. The last runners in any race usually get the most cheers and support.

    If you are worried try and stick to a charitable type race or one that includes a fun run, you will get fast runners but you'll get lots of people who are not fast. And running a 5k in 35 minutes isnt slow! How many people do you know in your day to day life could run a 5k?? not many.

    I likened the feeling of completing my 1st 10K to passing my driving test, it was an experience of a lifetime, one I will NEVER forget...Its just brill. Yes it can be hard work but if youve done the training, you will be absolutely fine. You could probably enter a 10k before october if you continue your training.

     

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