First 10k on Saturday - nervous

[pombal]

Ok so I started jogging in September.
I can't really call it running, am not a natural.

I've been going 3/4 times a week. I run 4 or 5k and a longer run of between 6.5 and 8.9/week.
My endurance has improved loads, I struggled to even get to 3k at the beginning.
I'm still really slow - 8mins/km is what I can do on longer runs.

I'm doing my first ever 10k on Saturday- when I entered it was just to have a goal to work to, so I wouldn't give up. My goal was just to finish.

Now it's nearly here I feel slightly ridiculous for entering. I'm dumpy, middle aged and so slow.
I don't want to be last but I might be, it's like school sports day all over again and worst of all the weather forecast is for 25 degrees (don't live in UK obvs).

Any top tips from proper runners appreciated x

I'm probably still an improper runner, having started about the same time as you, and doing my first 10k race later this month.

And yes, my aim is just to get round.

I did a 10k run today, so am feeling more optimistic that it's possible. I'm hoping not to be absolutely last, but I'm expecting to be in the final 5% (or should that be an even lower number there?)

But even the last finisher is still a finisher (as I keep telling myself).

I don't know how to retrain properly. I'm just running, including at least one longer run a week.

Kind of hoping someone will appear with some more serious advice.

Well done! I would love to do what you're doing but I haven't been able to commit as I find it SO difficult!
When you started to run did you do a couch to 5km programme? I had a baby 4 months ago and can see now I'm starting to get a bit "soft" where I'm eating rubbish food to help with tiredness.
Did you find it really really hard to continue?? How did you carry on?

I did a 10k today for 2nd time.

I started running last summer having never run before. I was doing 3/4 k 2-3 times a week. Then November got a nasty chest infection which put me out of action for a few weeks.
I then ran a 10k at Weston which was a very flat course. I did it in 1hr 13min which isn't amazing. Ur I was happy enough with that and as it was a fun run there were lots and lots of people slower than me who walked the whole thing etc
I then did nothing over xmas and then hurst my knee so it was march before I did any more running
I've found it really hard to get back into and can barely do 2k without stopping.
I did a very very hilly horrible 10k today and did it in 1hr 27min
I was 2nd to last as it was a very serious race and everyone was part of a running group and it was limited entry to 200 people.
I finished it which is the main thing but had to walk the hills.

Auntie good luck with your 10k.
I do the same, one longer run/week.
I finally ran 10k yesterday for the first time yesterday and it was fine - long but fine.

crispmonster1 (nice name) I use an app called Zombies Run, which tells you a story as you go, basically you are being chased by Zombies so you have to - run!
My kids are a lot older, I found it v.v. difficult to get any exercise when they were babies.

Having said that at least with jogging/running it's very flexible.

The thing that's really kept me going is knowing I'm doing this race and if I don't do something 3x/week, I won't finish.

Brie this is what I'm worried about, that the race will be for club runners. It could well take me 1:30, which I'm fine with but if everyone else is like 1:00 or less it could be a bit
Hang in there with your training, it takes time to get your fitness back up.
You completed 10k on hilly terrain, most people can't do that.

How's the final prep going?

Good luck for tomorrow!

I'm doing my first 10k race soon as well! I am also dumpy, middle aged and slow.

However what I have learnt from joining a running club, and doing shorter races (3.5k & 5k Parkrun) is this: runners come in all shapes and sizes! As far as I can tell, body shape/weight and age is no indicator of a runner. I always thought all runners would be rangy and fit-looking, but really they're not.

Anyway, you're doing this for yourself. The other runners aren't important - although you will find them welcoming and supportive!

Good luck for Saturday

Today's the day?

I hope you'll let us know how it goes.

All the best!

GOOD LUCK X

Good luck! I was like you a few years ago and I've since done 10mile and a half marathon. It becomes addictive and soon a 10k race won't feel like enough of a challenge. The first 10k race though is scary but you'll be fine! And there's always someone lots actually who haven't really trained or may only be able to run/walk it. So you won't be last I'm sure, sounds like you've prepared really well. My one tip is don't go too fast too early.

Good luck! I'm not an experienced runner but I've done a few half marathons and 10k races. Only advice is to relax and enjoy it. Just keep going even when it starts to hurt, and you will feel awesome at the end! I'm getting out of bed now and going for a Saturday run - will be willing you on!

Hope it went well.

I went to a 5km race the other day. There were ladies there who were at least 5 stone overweight. They kept going & finished which was very impressive. Last person in gets the most cheering!

Sorry I didn't update yesterday. I thought the thread was dead so didn't check it.

I was so chuffed to see the messages of support- thank you

I finished in 1:20, I didn't walk but jogged the whole way.

There were people who were walking/jogging the whole way ( and finished before me, annoyingly ), and there were really serious people really running fast.

I just plodded round at 7-8 mins/km.
My legs felt fine. It was just sooo hot - 26 and sunny. I did not enjoy that at all.

Am planning to do another one soon but I won't run in that heat again, but there are some evening races near me over the summer I might try.

It was a bit soul destroying to see people who obviously hadn't prepared coming in 10 - 20 mins faster, but what can you do.

I think there's a running gene and I do not have it .

I am totally athletically declined. But I do laps and laps around the people on the couch which is good enough for me to feel satisfaction. I hate races but the challenge is good, good to push my comfort boundaries.

I love running in the heat... differ from you there. Bring. It. On. :)

I didn't like the race ragged, but if I hadn't had the race looming I would have stopped months ago.

I've tried running in the past and always given up without being able to do more than 3k without stopping.

I was ok till the last 2k which was on an incline with the sun full in your face - brutal.

And you're right, most people I know think 10k is a crazy distance and wouldn't walk it let alone run it.
Six months ago I was one of them