Running a 5k in One Month
Last Saturday I ran my very first 5k. Seems kind of crazy that I’m 29 and just now running my first 5k. The truth is, it never occurred to me to even do one until now. A 5k is 3.1 miles. It’s not really that bad. But I wanted to run the whole thing straight through and running 3 miles straight was something I have never done. I just started running one month ago.
The Thursday before I wanted to kind of preview what the 5k would be like, to test myself. So I skipped ahead in my 10k trainer about two weeks to a twenty minute run. And I did it! I was so impressed with myself and felt a lot more confident about the 5k. The night before I slept terribly, I was so nervous. I don’t know why I was nervous–it’s not like there would be people jeering at me if I slowed to a walk or if I finished last. But I woke up at 6 am and got ready.
I start each run by eating a half a granola bar before doing anything. Then I take this little electrolyte pill that helps you to have more sodium that you lose when you sweat. This really helps me not have cramps or side aches. I drove to the location and walked around to warm up and wait for the race to begin. And then it started and we were off!
Everyone was so pumped at first and just took off. I started slowly as I always do because I like to save my energy for the second mile. And I was seriously the last person for the first mile. But I started seeing people slow down and walk and I passed them. The first two miles were fine, almost easy. But that last mile—dang! It was uphill and my legs were on fire. I thought about stopping so. many. times. But you know what kept me going? YOU! I really wanted to be able to blog about this and proudly say that YES–I did run the entire 3.1 miles without stopping! It would have been such a letdown to say “I ran about 2.75 miles and then…just puttered out.” Sometimes I have no idea how I even keep going when every muscle in my body is crying at me to stop. I tried counting to 100 but I found that it took more energy to keep track of the numbers.
But yes, I’m here to say that I DID run the ENTIRE 3.1 miles without stopping. My time was 35:04, which was another goal. My fastest mile was in the 10 minute range which surprised me. I’m a very slow runner, although I’m getting a little faster. I didn’t win any medals, that’s for sure. But I did it and I’m proud. And I was exhausted the rest of the day.
So all you runners–What are your best tips for running long distance? Or for running a 5k? How do you keep going when you hit that wall? What was your best 5k time?
Music is what keeps me going when I run. Having one of my favorite songs come on when I’m hitting a hard time, just helps and I probably do sing a long (louder than I should!) Way to go girl! I just did a half marathon last month for my first time, but running is running and its hard! — also the gatorade every 2 miles totally helped me too! (it was way easier than the 9 or 10 mile runs I did on my own for training) anyway, I run an 11.5 minute mile, about, so you are faster than me! Woot!
I need some ideas for good running songs…my music is getting old! Congrats on your half!
Yay! I ran my first 5ks this year too! My goal is three every year… hopefully to keep me in shape 🙂 Good job!
Congrats!! That’s a great goal!
Way to go! Great job for deciding to run your first 5k and finishing strong! The hardest step is always the first one and you went far beyond it! Running is different for everyone and it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. If you enjoy that pace, don’t worry about accelerating, it will either stay the same and you will grow comfortable in new distances or you will get faster, but either way, you will be engaging in a challenging form of exercise and you should be proud of yourself! Hydration, fuel and rest are important. If you exhaust yourself, you cannot expect your body to repay you with a PR (personal record). Enjoy the journey – that’s what these races are all about!
Thanks–I have a hard time letting myself rest because I know I still have so far to go to train for the upcoming races.
Music helps me too! And as crazy as it sounds I do mental math while I’m running because it takes my mind busy and I can forget that I’m even running. When I ran my half marathon it really helped to have a friend to run the race with me because we could encourage and motivate each other when we just wanted to give up!
Awesome job running a half!
Thank you for this post at the best time ever for motivation! I decided a few weeks ago that I want to run a 5K by my 30th birthday…Sept 15! Race is Sept 7th. I’m registered & I’ve challenged the hubby to do it with me. Now to just keep trucking along!
Congrats on your awesome accomplishment!
Thanks! Good luck on your upcoming race!
Congrats on running your first 5k. You sound about like me running it. We’ve never been much of runners in our family. I’m like Dad; we think it’s just so darned boring. Although I guess he did some in high school. I’m impressed with your recent running fetish. Hopefully it keeps up! Best o’ luck!
That picture looks familiar…oh, I took it! So, I thought I saw you in Walmart today and it got me thinking about Heidi’s from Lehi. Then this evening I was thinking about some sewing projects and it clicked…yeah, I’m slow. Congrats on your 5k! If you want a running buddy ever, let me know!
Chelsee, The girl you met after the race…
Hi Chelsee!! Yes I get around to responding to comments about 20 years later…haha! How funny that you read my blog! Have you run any other races? Good luck!
Congrats on your first race! Great job training in just a month and finishing with a solid time too! What’s the next race you have planned?
I am the worst at responding to comments haha! But thank you! I ran a 10k at the end of August and I have a half marathon in October.