my 1st 5K (long report of a short race)

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd post a report of my first 5K, since I so many people from this group were kind enough to give me suggestions on how to start running a few weeks ago. I've now been running for 7 weeks. I was already in reasonable shape from other types of exercise, but heeded everyone's warnings and didn't push it too hard. For the most part, I've increased my mileage 10% each week, and now run about 12 miles/week, with my longest run being about 3.5 miles. No injuries so far.

Now for the race. The early part of the week leading up to the race started out hot, and my Tuesday run (at race distance) was a real challenge and I finished it thinking 'well, this is hopefully about the worst it can go' The next day, we were plunged back into winter with 4 days of snow and rain. I did a short 2-mile run on Friday morning, and went to bed early that night. I actually wasn't all that excited about the race, as my kids had been sick all week, and I was feeling sleep deprived, plus it was still raining outside, with morning temps forecast to be in the 30s.

Race day morning came and it was cold and wet. I drank some OJ and got to the race location at 7 a.m. to pick up my pack (start was at 8 a.m.). The race wasn't too well organized (although being my first one, I can't say for sure). There were only 2 8 1/2 x 11 laminated sheets showing the route for all 200+ runners to look at. I stretched some, ran a slow half mile to wake up my legs, and then waited for the start. I think getting there at 7 was a little too early, especially given the weather, and that I didn't know anyone there. Since the race started at the music department on campus, I found a place to stretch some more outside of a practice room where a guy was playing the piano, so that was nice. At 8 a.m., a few people were down on the road, but most were still huddled in the foyer of the building. Not seeing any race officials, I decided to delay getting soaked. At 8:05, I figured I'd better get in line. The race didn't actually start until 8:10. There was no one with a megaphone giving directions, but I vaguely heard someone shout something, and people started running. So I started my watch.

My strategy for this first race was to simply run my training pace (~10 min miles) for at least the first 2 miles, and pick it up at the end if I felt I had anything left. Although I started near the back of the pack, many people passed me initially, although within minutes, I was passing people myself. The 'official' stopwatch at the 1-mile was way off, as '9:26' was called out as I passed, and my watch said 10:12. So I was going a little slowly. I picked up the pace slightly, passed some more people, and thought to myself 'wow, I'm feeling pretty good.' At the 2 mile marker, my pace had only increased to 10:04/mile, so I figured it was time to run faster. I picked it up again, passed more people. For each person I passed, I set my sights on the next person, who then became my next target. I got passed once by a guy I had passed earlier, but picked him off again while concentrating on my next target. I was running much faster than I usually do at this point, and wondered if I'd be able to maintain the pace. But I kept passing people, and knew that the end was coming up soon, so kept at it, increasing my speed all the time. I ran the last 1.1 miles in 9:50, which is an 8:55 pace! Hmmm...guess it's time to start running faster in training. My finish time (as near as I can tell

Congratulations Charlotte - nice report, nice race

It doesn't sound desperately well organised to me either - but I've only run one so I can't really say except mine sounded better in that we had loads of marshals, kilometre markers and clear instructions.

passing people's great isn't it and really pulls you along at the end. I know what you mean about this...

. I was

I suspect trying to pace a race to use what you find at the end earlier on is something that can only be learned by racing a lot and probably requires strong mental discipline - it's only natural to get a huge boost close to the end and maybe to have unconsciously saved something for the finish too.

Congratulations again - and you've got a nice target of sub 30 to shoot for next time.

Way to go Charlotte! Sounds, though, that organization was a little lacking. That being said I have no experience in that department and can only say thanks to the folks who do put on races. Next time you will have a better idea of what you can do. Good luck.

Charlotte DeMott wrote ...

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You are right

Congrats, Charlotte! Sounds like you raced a great race, especially considering you've only been at it for 7 weeks.

- Jeff

Way to go, Charlotte!

As an occasional race director and frequent worker for our club races, it's embarrassing to read about 'races' that are as poorly organized as that one. I'm sorry your first race had to be one of those, but there are lots of good races out there that you'll find soon. Vote with your feet and your wallet.

I'd send a copy of your email to 'the store' to show them what a bad impression it left on you.

Mike Tennent 'IronPenguin' Ironman Canada '98 Great Floridian '99, '00

From your descriptions, it wasn't. Make note of who ran it, and let them know of your experience. If they're of the 'that's what we do' school, avoid them. I didn't join the most local to me running club because after bollixing a race, their attitude was just that. It could be that there were disasters in the background and this was unusual for them, so do ask.

Good plan

Yes, this is what will happen. I actually tapered off a little last week because of weather and sick kids at home, and will do so even more this week, partly because that's what I planned, and partly because I caught the dang cold the kids had felt completely miserable for the past two days. Finally felt well enough to do a really slow run over lunch today (11+ mpm), but I'll only run three times this week, instead of the usual 4. I'm still getting used to the idea of LSD runs. I hate the thought of running even slower than I do now, but I feel SO great after I do them. They seem to re-energize my legs way better than pure rest does.

I have at least one, and maybe two, more 5K's penciled in for June and July, and then I hope to try a 10K in August. Depending on how that goes, I'd like to try a half marathon in late September, but that may be pushing it. Reaching the 10K distance 'safely' (i.e., not increasing my distance too fast in order to avoid injury) shouldn't be a problem, but I'll have to see how things go for the half marathon. I'm also really anxious to work on improving my speed, but I don't plan on doing anything about it until the fall, when I will have been running for nearly 6 months. The way I look at it, all of the times I post this year will just be benchmarks for me to try to improve upon next year.

Thanks!