First 5K questions

[Toad_Passenger]

I've been training as best as I can for the last 6 weeks for my first 5K ever. I have never been a runner, and, while I'm not overweight, I started this journey well out of shape.

I'm looking for any tips people might have for my first event this Saturday. I also want peoples' opinions on the elevation graph for this race. I'm a little nervous about one really steep hill that takes up about .5 mile in the middle of the race. How do you normally handle these, especially as someone who is still building up their core and lung capacities (read - I still get pretty winded on inclines).

 

[ludari]

Since you are just started on this running journey I really wouldn't worry about it and just do your best. Even if that means you have to walk up the hill. I would suggest that you keep your arms pumping. This will help with your walking/running pace. I would also recommend keeping your eyes focused on the ground during your hill climb to prevent any kind of discouragement from looking at the challenge ahead of you. Although keeping your head looking down is not good form so don't get used to it. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Since you are just started on this running journey I really wouldn't worry about it and just do your best. Even if that means you have to walk up the hill. I would suggest that you keep your arms pumping. This will help with your walking/running pace. I would also recommend keeping your eyes focused on the ground during your hill climb to prevent any kind of discouragement from looking at the challenge ahead of you. Although keeping your head looking down is not good form so don't get used to it. Good luck and have fun.

Thanks for encouragement.

I may just end up walking part of the hill if need be, since my goal is not compete with the elites.

 

[johde]

Good luck on the 5K.

My biggest suggestion would be not to start out too fast in the beginning. It's easy to get pulled along with the faster people at the start. That would be especially true starting downhill. Then take it slow and easy on the uphill.

 

[loislane]

Start slow. It's perfectly fine to shuffle along in the crowd until you find your pace. If you have to walk, walk. There's no shame in walking. Listen to upbeat music to keep you pumped - or if there is a good crowd, enjoy their cheers and shouts of support. You'd be amazed how much it means for a total stranger to tell you "Good job! Keep it up!" and how much you need to hear it! And if you don't normally drink during your training runs, I suggest skipping the water stops - unless you're fine to run with a sloshy belly. Finally - have fun. Enjoy it. You only get one first race, so appreciate it.