Walk/Run 5K?? Updated!! 10/26

[clarabelle]

Hi!
My family are all doing the ToT5K together. It is my first 5K. I was hoping that my DD 11 would really get into it and train -but that hasn't happened. I know she can finish -but she alternates walking and running.

Is this OK? Should we start with the walkers or slow runners?
What is the etiquette? Just make sure we don't switch to a walk right in front of someone?

Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks

 

[FireDancer]

Where she starts is dictated by the speed she will go out at. If she is going to walk first than run, start with the walkers. If she is going to run first, start at about the same place as the people who will be going her same pace.

Something else to think about is the etiquette for going from run to jog to walk. Make sure no one is right behind you so that they don't crash into you when you (or she) slows down. It is best to get over to the side before slowing down.

Something else a lot of first timers don't realize is stopping in a water stop can also be an accident waiting to happen. If you are someone who has to slow down to drink after taking a cup at a water stop don't do so in the stop. Grab the cup (at speed), run past the stop, move to the side, stop and drink. The further back you are the less this is an issue but there is nothing worse than grabbing water expecting to keep you pace and have to dodge someone right in front of you.

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks -that is very helpful.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

The info given is great.

I just want to add that I hope your DD finds it fun. If she enjoys it I'm sure she'll be looking to continue other events.

 

[suzannews]

Just wanted to add that I do a walk/jog combo and have never had a problem not finishing any of the races or being close to being swept. Each race is an amazing experience and I hope your family has fun doing the 5K!

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone! I am nervous about it.
Reading about experiences here are making me feel better

 

[FireDancer]

.

I just want to add that I hope your DD finds it fun. If she enjoys it I'm sure she'll be looking to continue other events.

It would have been nice for me to add this to my post .

Yes, hopefully this will be her introduction to a fun (usually), and addicting, sport.

 

[clarabelle]

Just an update
We finished! My younger DD did well alternating walking and running. We saw several other families doing similar. I was pleased that there was no tears or whining.

We particularly liked when we ran by the All American Cafe and all the staff came out and cheered us on. We also liked running across the stage area for Lights, Motors Action!

I was hoping DD would want to do more 5Ks -but she said no. (unless they are at Disney)

My older DD did well (I thought) finishing 617 out of 1275.
My husband finished 1385 in the 13K.

We had a good time. Thanks for your support and info.
I think I will feel much more confident next time!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Just an update
We finished! My younger DD did well alternating walking and running. We saw several other families doing similar. I was pleased that there was no tears or whining.

We particularly liked when we ran by the All American Cafe and all the staff came out and cheered us on. We also liked running across the stage area for Lights, Motors Action!

I was hoping DD would want to do more 5Ks -but she said no. (unless they are at Disney)

My older DD did well (I thought) finishing 617 out of 1275.
My husband finished 1385 in the 13K.

We had a good time. Thanks for your support and info.
I think I will feel much more confident next time!

Glad to hear your news. Hope you can find more fun events to do with the family. I think that is wonderful! Doing Disney events is a good way to enjoy and DD has a good point. Perhaps some day she will be ready to branch into other locations.