When do you feel like you can do it?

[JacobsMommy11002]

When do you finally get the confidence and courage to think that you really can complete your first race? I finished W5D3 of the C25K today. But I still feel like there is no way I could ever do a 5k. Its like I feel like something will go wrong, I will get out there and not be able to do it. I am not even opposed to walking some of it! Did anyone else have these feelings? I just can't get up the nerve to register for that first event.

 

[getnthinr]

Johanna, I think everyone has felt that way about a race -- whether it's their first 5K or half or marathon or ultra -- or their first race with a challenging time limit. You may have an especially good training day at some point and feel confident -- I hope that happens for you! But if it doesn't, don't let that stop you from making the attempt. Pick a welcoming race -- maybe one geared toward a charity -- and make up your mind that you are there to enjoy the day come what may. I think "nerves" are pretty normal for your first race, hence John Bingham's famous quote, "The miracle is not that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." You've started -- and continued -- your training. Sometimes the toughest steps on race day are the ones across the starting line. Good luck!

 

[TXAng]

You can do it! Like Wendy said, pick a friendly event and just go for it. I just ran/walked my second 5K last week, and I just finished the C25K week 5 on Tuesday (I'm just restarting running after taking a break to have a baby). Sure, I had to walk more than I wanted to, but I had no trouble finishing the 3.1 miles.

 

[CarolA]

(Heck, I wasn't sure I could do the Minnie until I saw the finish line!)

My first race was the Komen race for Breast Cancer. Something like that might be a good first race. Look for a huge "fundraiser" type where they let moms push stollers. Then you know it's going to be slow so you won't panic about being last etc....

 

[windwalker]

When do you finally get the confidence and courage to think that you really can complete your first race? I finished W5D3 of the C25K today. But I still feel like there is no way I could ever do a 5k. Its like I feel like something will go wrong, I will get out there and not be able to do it. I am not even opposed to walking some of it! Did anyone else have these feelings? I just can't get up the nerve to register for that first event.

Joanna, there is nothing wrong with walking, that is a guide line not a message from God. I stand behind the theory that you don't need to run at all if it's uncomfortable for you. Walk your distance as fast as you comfortably can and then when you are ready to run you will know. But there is nothing wrong with being a walker and never going to running. There are some powerfull athletes on WISH who don't run at all. Wendy, Lily, Jeanne, Connie and many many others are strong athletes who walk only.

Walking Panda

 

[AmyBeth68]

Johanna... I think many of us have those thoughts even after numerous races. It's natural, and it's part of what is exciting about running/walking/racing, you just never know what the day will bring once you get out there. But I can promise you this, if you've been training, you can complete the distance. Having "the courage to start" (John Bingham) is really what it's all about. In the end...just lining up at that start line is the victory....finishing the race is just icing on the cake. I'd suggest finding a friend to go along with you...it always helps to have company . Do you know anyone who runs/walks that might be willing to join you?

I know you can do it Johanna!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Joanna, there is nothing wrong with walking, that is a guide line not a message from God. I stand behind the theory that you don't need to run at all if it's uncomfortable for you. Walk your distance as fast as you comfortably can and then when you are ready to run you will know. But there is nothing wrong with being a walker and never going to running. There are some powerfull athletes on WISH who don't run at all. Wendy, Lily, Jeanne, Connie and many many others are strong athletes who walk only.

Walking Panda

Oh, I don't feel that their is anything wrong with walking it. I am totally open to walk/running it. I think it is just a matter of getting up the nerve to believe that I really can do this....and find a race that looks like a good "fit". I think that is part of the difficult, too.

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Thank you all for your wise words and encouragement. They mean so, so much to me!

 

[Kira G.]

In picking my first race (a 5K I did about a month ago), I made sure to look at the race results for the previous year. I stayed away from any event where I thought my pace (around 12 minute miles right now) would put me closer to DLF than I wanted to be for my first race! I found a great race, for a great cause, and while I was definitely near the back of the pack I was in a large enough group that I felt comfortable. I have kept using this as a way to judge how much a race accommodates us "less speedy" individuals.

And, I still have many doubts about my ability to ever complete a half marathon, even though I have 2 of them on my race calendar! I am just trusting this group, and continuing to work on my training. For me, having the race on the calendar is a HUGE motivation for me, and really helps me to get through all the moments that I don't want to do this anymore.

You can do it! Just keep the faith and keep up the great work!

 

[laxdef69]

Johanna:

Sign up now...today!

I am completely mediocre at all three events that comprise the triathlon, but am training for a 1/2 iron man in Racine in July.

You can do this...just committing to a specific date is what scared me, and might be whats holding you back too.

Mike

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

In picking my first race (a 5K I did about a month ago), I made sure to look at the race results for the previous year. I stayed away from any event where I thought my pace (around 12 minute miles right now) would put me closer to DLF than I wanted to be for my first race! I found a great race, for a great cause, and while I was definitely near the back of the pack I was in a large enough group that I felt comfortable. I have kept using this as a way to judge how much a race accommodates us "less speedy" individuals.

And, I still have many doubts about my ability to ever complete a half marathon, even though I have 2 of them on my race calendar! I am just trusting this group, and continuing to work on my training. For me, having the race on the calendar is a HUGE motivation for me, and really helps me to get through all the moments that I don't want to do this anymore.

You can do it! Just keep the faith and keep up the great work!

Kira, this is fabulous advice! I found a couple races that I had been eyeing, but wasn't quite sure of. By last years results, I feel pretty confident that I could do it. They are all 5K, and some people were finishing in an hour! I think even I can do better than that by July!

 

[Kira G.]

Johanna - I'm so glad that my advice helped! I'm sure you'll have a great time in your first race.

By the way, my in-laws have retired in Scarborough, so I'm in South Portland from time to time. I love Portland - it's a great city!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

Johanna - I'm so glad that my advice helped! I'm sure you'll have a great time in your first race.

By the way, my in-laws have retired in Scarborough, so I'm in South Portland from time to time. I love Portland - it's a great city!

Very cool! I love it here...of course, I have been a South Portlander my whole life. To me, its perfect...right on the ocean, an hour from the mountains, lots of lakes, rivers, and streams. Its paradise to me!

 

[twotoohappy]

Hey Johanna!
!st - It's great to see another Johanna! My dd is a Johanna also

2nd - Just sign up for one, train the best you can,
and then just have fun! I honestly didn't think that I could
ever do a race, but I signed up for the 5k and 1/2 last Jan.
and finished both. Pick a race where you'll have a friend
or two and you'll be fine. I was terrified at WDW until I
ran into Wendy. Sometimes you just need another person
to say "you can do it" when you don't think you can.
thanks Wendy

Good luck

 

[wtpclc]

Johanna - Part of it is confidencein your plan. When you took teh next step, were you alweays able to do it? So if you took teh last step sthat says you'r eready, you should be. That does not mean that you won't be nwervous or have some doubt. That's natural. Just don't let that get the best of you. Just go out and do it and gain one mre level of confidence in yourself!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am thrilled for you! I know you can do it and look forward to your report telling us all about it. WISHing you the most fun of all and wonderful memories of that first event.

I can't wait to hear about your choice.