Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

First 10k. Advice please!

35 replies

SFRSmum · 04/09/2025 18:47

Hi all,

Im running my first 10k in October (AJ bell, great Scottish run 🏃‍♀️)

I've never ran a organised run before (well apart from parkrun) so im a bit clueless as to how it all works and ive got a couple of questions i can't find clear answers to online. Probably stupid questions!

Firstly, we set off in waves going on our predicted run times. I predicted 1hr 10 mins if I remember correctly but the truth is ive absolutely no idea how long it'll take me. I complete 5k in 26 to 27 mins but its hard and I couldn't do 10k at that pace. I then came across a post on strava from someone who said he is a pacer for the race, does this mean we have to stay within our wave group? Or can we pull ahead if the pace is too slow or fall back if its too fast?

Secondly, on the day, registration opens at 7am, do we have to be there for 7am? My wave won't start until nearly 9am, theres a warm up at 8.20. How soon should I get there?

Finally, after, is there much milling about or do people disperse quickly? Sounds daft but we've got a premier inn booked and id like to get a shower before they check out time of 12pm!

Im sorry for the silly questions, im a serial planner and the unknown makes me anxious 🤣

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Holidayhooha · 04/11/2025 21:38

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

MiddleAgedDread · 05/10/2025 19:36

SFRSmum · 05/10/2025 19:26

Ive already signed up! And yes, for the half!

Show quote history

Good lass!

Original poster
SFRSmum · 05/10/2025 19:28

Well done @Surlycoo that is an incredible time, especially as youd not gone that far before and with you thinking you might not be able to do it at all a few days ago.
Amazing!

OP posts:
Original poster
SFRSmum · 05/10/2025 19:26

MiddleAgedDread · 05/10/2025 19:04

Well done ladies!!
half marathon next year? ;)

Ive already signed up! And yes, for the half!

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 05/10/2025 19:04

Well done ladies!!
half marathon next year? ;)

Surlycoo · 05/10/2025 18:48

Fantastic well done!!!

I bloody smashed it as well. Considering I’ve never run 10k I was pleased with my 1 hour 13 time as had been planning to stick with the 1 hour 25 pacer.

I also didn’t find it difficult just that last 400m where you realise how far 400m actually is.

So proud of myself and it was such a great thing to be a part of.

limescale · 05/10/2025 18:04

@SFRSmum Bravo! Congratulations. Your training and preparation really paid off. Did you enjoy the atmosphere and was it well organised.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 05/10/2025 17:45

@Surlycoo
@TaupeRaven
@TaupeRaven

And any others who ran the AJ Bell today.
How did you all get on?

Im so so so proud, I went above and beyond my target of 1hr 10 and completed it in just under 57 mins. It didnt feel particularly hard at any point. The last 800m I had to dig deep but I think that was more mental than physical. The closer distance countdown was more detrimental for me

Hope you all had a fantastic run and now have your feet up and resting.

OP posts:
TeaAndBizcuitz · 04/10/2025 09:57

Surlycoo · 03/10/2025 23:47

I’ve seen videos from last year and most were in shorts tbh but definitely some leggings too so just wear what you are comfortable in.

I’m really worried I won’t manage this now as suffering with horrific knee pain. Did 4k on Thursday night and practically hobbled the last km. Am hoping things feel much better tomorrow.

Oh what a shame.. hope you feel better but only go for it of you feel good!

Original poster
SFRSmum · 04/10/2025 08:31

Im wearing shorts and long sleeved t shirt. Ill wear old leggings and a jumper at the start line and leave them there. I am swithering about taking a lightweight running jacket but think the long t shirt will be fine.

Husband will meet me at the finish with a jumper and a jacket so ill be ok.

It looks like its going to be dry between 8 and 10 at the moment so hoping that doesn't change over the next 24hrs!

Oh no @Surlycoo hopefully you feel ok today and manage it, theres no shame in walking if you have to.

OP posts:
Surlycoo · 03/10/2025 23:47

I’ve seen videos from last year and most were in shorts tbh but definitely some leggings too so just wear what you are comfortable in.

I’m really worried I won’t manage this now as suffering with horrific knee pain. Did 4k on Thursday night and practically hobbled the last km. Am hoping things feel much better tomorrow.

TeaAndBizcuitz · 03/10/2025 22:00

Hello 👋🏼 I'm running this Sunday too and it's my first group run. I have no clue what to wear on th day especially now with weather taking a turn. I usually wear a t-shirt and leggings or shorts and cap. Is a long sleeve top best? Do most females wear short, or leggings? How to keep warm at start?

limescale · 01/10/2025 08:14

SFRSmum · 01/10/2025 07:47

@limescale
Thankfully I booked a city centre premier inn, a 10 min walk from start line (and similar from the finish too!)
My start time is 8.42, not to arrive before 7.42, so Id plan to leave the hotel around 8, no point standing around in the rain!
Im hoping to be ok without having to use the loos to be honest, they sound a bit grim, but I will if need be.

Weather looks to be a bit rubbish on sunday, although not as bad as Saturdays forecast! So ill be using the tip of taking a bin bag to wear before the start.

Im not sure ill use the baggage bus, husband is going to meet me at the finish, he'll bring a bag with a change of clothes or at least a jacket.

Silly question (which im sure i could google!) Im presuming a 10k is marked in km on the course, not miles?

Good call on the Premier Inn! You def won't need the baggage bus. You can leave the PI ready to run (with bin bag!). I see they are also collecting any clothing discarded at the start to the BHF, so you could also wear something you were ready to send to the charity shop.

MiddleAgedDread · 01/10/2025 07:50

Yes it’ll be marked in km but be aware some of the route is shared with the half marathon and theirs will be in miles! The signs are usually different colours.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 01/10/2025 07:47

@limescale
Thankfully I booked a city centre premier inn, a 10 min walk from start line (and similar from the finish too!)
My start time is 8.42, not to arrive before 7.42, so Id plan to leave the hotel around 8, no point standing around in the rain!
Im hoping to be ok without having to use the loos to be honest, they sound a bit grim, but I will if need be.

Weather looks to be a bit rubbish on sunday, although not as bad as Saturdays forecast! So ill be using the tip of taking a bin bag to wear before the start.

Im not sure ill use the baggage bus, husband is going to meet me at the finish, he'll bring a bag with a change of clothes or at least a jacket.

Silly question (which im sure i could google!) Im presuming a 10k is marked in km on the course, not miles?

OP posts:
limescale · 29/09/2025 15:15

It looks like a fun race OP.
I've just read that the event toilets are a 10 min walk from the start.
Is your Premier Inn walking distance from the event or do you need to drive?
I usually park a mile or so away and walk. Most people want to get nearer so parking is often easier. Treat the walk as a walk up/cool down.

Arrange a place to meet your family afterwards.

As others have said, the amount of time you need before the race is pretty much down to the toilet queues. Hopefully at an event this size they'll have Pee Pods for the men and have marshals telling men who don't need a cubicle to use the pee pods.

If it's busy at the start try not to weave between people too much. It might seem like you're going really slowly but IMO it's better to have an enforced slower start and pick up later, than aim to stick to whatever pace you have in mind but wear yourself out weaving. Just settle in to the race in the first mile w/o looking at the pace on your watch.

If you're doing 1hr13 on the treadmill as a training run, your 1hr 10 goal is very achievable, especially if you feed off a crowd.

Good luck!

Surlycoo · 29/09/2025 14:12

It sounds like it’s going well and at least you know you can manage the distance. I’m planning to stay with the slowest pacer so think it’ll be 1 hour 25 for me.

Yes, it’s arrived. Definitely feels real now.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 29/09/2025 13:48

Have you received your racing number @Surlycoo
Mine came last week, feels very real now!

OP posts:
Original poster
SFRSmum · 29/09/2025 13:46

@Surlycoo Well done!
Ive been on holiday for a week, got back this morning! Kept up with doing some runs while away but all 5k and under.

Bit the bullet this morning and did 10k on the treadmill as soon as I got back. Did it very slowly and steadily (1hr 13mins) but I know now I can do it, so I'm very pleased.
Ill hopefully do a couple more 5ks through the week then rest up until sunday.

OP posts:
Surlycoo · 28/09/2025 15:42

How’s the training going OP? DH and I just in from our second 7k. We are going to do a couple of 8ks this week then just need to hope the atmosphere carries us through!

januarysnowdrop · 09/09/2025 15:47

I’ve started running occasional 10ks, & I find they’re really good fun: great atmosphere on the day & a real sense of achievement afterwards. I’m very bad at training beforehand, but I do the parkrun every weekend so I have a reasonable level of fitness and I’ve always managed okay on the day. The best top tip I was given before my first one was to take it slowly & carry some jelly babies so you can give yourself a boost if you find that you’re flagging in the second half. Good luck!

MagpiePi · 09/09/2025 15:24

Definitely get in a queue for the loo early but don't be fooled by needing a 'nervous wee' 2 minutes before the start!

The best piece of advice is to not go off too fast. You feel amazing at the beginning with spectators cheering and the excitement of it all, but you will feel it later on.

I did a 10 k a few years ago and was following a pacer for a pb, so it was hard work for me. He was having a chat to a mate for a bit, then looked at his watch and said 'Oops, I need to get a move on' and speeded up, and about 3 of us following him all went 'Oh no!' in chorus 😂

Good luck!!

TaupeRaven · 09/09/2025 15:15

Good luck OP! I'm running the same one, and it's my first ever race too :) I've been running a 10k every Sunday morning for the past six weeks and I'm coming in between 1h3m and 1h8m, and my 5k time is considerably slower than yours (31m), so you'll be quicker than you expect, I think!!

Original poster
SFRSmum · 09/09/2025 15:14

@Daisydoesnt wow do you think so? To be honest im not really bothered about time, I just want to complete it without stopping, which at the moment, im fairly confident I will do. Under an hour would be amazing though.

OP posts:
Original poster
SFRSmum · 09/09/2025 15:08

@MiddleAgedDread thank you for this, this is all excellent advice, really good to know.

@Surlycoo good for you! Im really looking forward to it, im currently running around 8 or 9k, 3 times a week. I didnt find going up from 5k to my current level that hard to be honest. Ive signed up for a half marathon next may, I think that may be a different story!

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread