Running a 5k – My First Race Report

I did it – I completed my first 5k race on Saturday! Whenever I’ve mentioned that I’ve run a 5k before, I’ve always made sure to mention these were my own personal 3.1 mile or 5k’s. This was my first official, timed, 5k race and I’m pretty pleased with my accomplishment!

I did not train for this race as hard as I could have. The weather has been in flux here since I registered and I was only able to run maybe three times a week. I don’t know my own limit and went from just walking to running 2-3 miles every time I’d run. I didn’t bother modifying my diet or changing anything else I do, I just started running. Since I usually run with the BOB with a 32 pound toddler in it and in an area with lots of hills, I wasn’t sure how I’d do running on my own. Obviously I thought I could do better running on my own, but I didn’t have any gauge as to how fast I could run or what to expect. I ran with two friends who had both run 5k’s before and they agreed to stay with me and let me set the pace. From the get go I just started running. Because of the hills, when I run at home, the most I’m able to run in one burst is about .60 miles. On race day, I ran 1.5 miles straight, averaging a 10:00/mile pace!

Avoid races that are several hours away or stay closer to the location. Getting up at 4:30 in the morning after only 4 hours sleep doesn’t make for the best feeling in the world. Couple that with the two hour drive and a toddler prone to motion sickness in the morning – not a great way to start the day. Even if it’s overcast, wear sunglasses. Either that or wake up even earlier and put makeup on. There will be cameras. There will be bathrooms, if only port-a-potties, so properly hydrate before running and avoid side cramps. Cue up your running playlist before starting out, you’ll save yourself some frustration of having to run and scroll through to get things started.