Beginners First 5k Race
A new beginner runner is a special time and may need a few tips for their first 5k. This usually stars the racing bug to many runners. All in good fun!
A one happy moment is when a runner enters their first 5k race. This is quiet an accomplishment because a green runner has went from being a non runner to becoming fit enough to tackle this feat. You have graduated from being a walk jog run or a run walking type. You also have trained enough so you can run this distance without stopping. We will cover some basic questions here so you won’t have to be spotted as a complete beginner!
Make sure you arrived at the race location at least one hour or two beforehand if you wish to find a place to park. You have practiced your running pace with some tempo running mixed with your race run pace over the last few weeks. Warm up about twenty minutes with some stretches and an easy mile is a good starting point. This is a big running tip for beginners here! Don’t be carrying five pounds in your colon. Sorry we have to mention that, but this is a “racing tips” article. Start tapering your food intake a couple days before race date of your 5k run.
While you’re warming up you should visualize a smooth and graceful run, in your mind. Run this race at your pace you have trained for and not that of other runners. The adrenalin will be pumping with all the excitement, music and all the people. Don’t forget you did train for this pace for your first 5k run. The hardest thing you must not do, that is to go out at a too fast a pace. There is an old rule to remember here. For every second you go out above your race pace in the first quarter mile; you will have to give it back in the last quarter.
Warming up it still takes time for your body to get adjusted to your race pace. It takes about a mile for your muscles to get stretched out. You will get passed by many runners, but don’t let that bother you. Trust me, you will pass some too! There will always be some that, this is their first 5k run too! There will be speedsters toed up on the starting line that will shoot off like a cannon! Don’t be a victim to their pace.
You can get some lighter running shoes, but that will be for you to decide. The lesser ounce shoes will have less support for your foot. Make sure you don’t over dress for this 5k run. There is another old rule to remember here. Dress enough to be comfortable after you have run for ten minutes. Let’s say its 70 degrees outside. Dress for as if it were 80 degrees. Unless it is a hot day you can pass up your first water station. You will lose some seconds there. Don’t waste time talking. Conserve your energy you will need it!
Anyone of these first 5k run tips is just a second or two here and there, but trust me again they will add up! So be proud of yourself. You are a winner just for showing up. You came from the running for beginner’s ranks and your first 5k run will be the run to remember the most!
|
By Gary Cooper Published: 2/25/2009 |
To see my Favorite site to help beginners learn to run marathons click here
Mail this post
Tags: Half Marathons, Marathons, Running
Leave a Reply