I'm Running my first 10K and I'm TERRIFIED!!

[sixpac shakur]

I'm running my first 10K ever this Saturday and I'm absolutely terrified. It will be the longest distance that I've ever run. My longest run ever was just under 6 miles. I'm not very fast (usually a 10:15 mile) but I'm extremely competitive and I'm trying not to focus too much on the clock. To make matters worse, it might rain on race day (it's in San Diego). Seriously, it's sunny like 350 out of the 365 days of the year. Why does it have to rain this Saturday??

eeek.

[ialsohaveadream]

Don't worry about your long run not exceeding the race distance. Most marathon training programs don't do training runs over 22 miles, the same concept applies here. When you're in a group of people all running, you'll be motivated enough to finish.

And honestly, if it's a light rain, you might end up being thankful...until the humidity kicks in. :)

[sixpac shakur]

Thanks, IAHAD. I remember we talked about running before. Have you ever joined a training group?

I was thinking about trying to run the inaugural Disneyland Half Marathon in Sept. but I may change my mind after this weekend!

[ialsohaveadream]

I haven't joined any training groups, but that's because I don't like other people. ;) Seriously, most of the groups I know of go on days/times that aren't convenient for me.

Disney's marathons are expensive. Can't argue with that medal, though. Very cool stuff.

[clutchy]

I'm running my first 10K ever this Saturday and I'm absolutely terrified. It will be the longest distance that I've ever run. My longest run ever was just under 6 miles. I'm not very fast (usually a 10:15 mile) but I'm extremely competitive and I'm trying not to focus too much on the clock. To make matters worse, it might rain on race day (it's in San Diego). Seriously, it's sunny like 350 out of the 365 days of the year. Why does it have to rain this Saturday??

eeek.


You should be fine, a 10k is only 6.4 miles. The most i'd ever run was 4 or 5 miles before i did a 10k up in fort bragg. It was a great time. running by the ocean trying to spot whales chatting with the wife... I'm going to start training again...

i did it in just under an hour which is pretty slow. You'll be fine have a great time and enjoy the comaraderie.

[ShawnLee]

Enjoy it. If you can run 6 miles a 10k will be fine since, like Clutchy said, it's not that much longer.

Pace yourself, don't burn out in the beginning because the speedy ones are passing you up. If they're passing you in the first mile or two, they're either gonna pass you no matter what or they're gonna burn out and you'll pass them again towards the end.

The best advice has already been given.
Have fun and enjoy it.

[ialsohaveadream]

Pace yourself, don't burn out in the beginning because the speedy ones are passing you up. If they're passing you in the first mile or two, they're either gonna pass you no matter what or they're gonna burn out and you'll pass them again towards the end
Actually, speaking both as one who wants you to have a good race and one who is normally in the front of the pack from the start: Please line up near the back at the start of the race. First of all, it'll give you confidence because you'll be catching people, not getting passed. Second of all, there's nothing more annoying than trying to reel off a 6 minute first mile, but getting stuck behind a pack of people trying to hit 8 minutes. That's just rude to those of us obsessed with our times. :)

[sixpac shakur]

Believe me, I will start towards the back! I ran in a race once where you were allowed to bring dogs and there were people lining up with their dogs near the front despite an announcement telling canines to line up in the rear! I accidentally kicked a dog in the head when he suddenly veered in front of me. :(

I feel a lot better about this weekend because I ran a great 4-miler today from La Jolla to the end of Windansea Beach and back. I felt great and didn't struggle! I'm not going to run anymore until race day to save my energy.

[cheapie]

you might want to run a few miles on thursday to keep yourself going.

[sixpac shakur]

OK, cheapie. I'll put in a couple easy miles just to rev the engine. :)

[zippyjuan]

Iahad makes some good suggestions. It is 6.2 miles. Make sure you drink along the way. If you get dehydrated, your muscles don't work as well. Just find a pace that feels comfortable and try not to go out too fast at the start, although you will get caught up with the pace of those around you at the beginning. If it rains, so what? It will keep you from getting too hot. Where does the race run? I know there are some events in Balboa Park for St. Patrick's Day on Saturday. You will do great! Comfortable shoes are your best friend. It has been a long time since I used to run (the knees don't like it as much any more), but Cheapie has been at it more recently. He has a bit longer race coming up.

[sixpac shakur]

The race is sponsored through Kathy Loper events and they planned it for a week before St. Patty's Day. The race begins in front of the Hilton at Spanish Bay/Mission Beach and runs a loop through Fiesta Island. I'm really looking forward to it even though I've got the "jitters."

There's also a 2-miler and a 4-miler for those who aren't ready to tackle the 10K! http://www.kathyloperevents.com/stpatrick/

[Dem0072]

Depending on if I have stretched out & relaxed enough, I can usually manage 1/4 mile sprint, or 1/2 mile "run", or 1 mile "jog". Otherwise I can walk for miles, between my nerv racking pacing while trying to solve tech problems and wondering what to cook for dinner, my kitchen floor showed it.

not lathargic, but im planning on improving my ability.

I'll put it to you this way, speaking of military - at least your not running with 60lbs strapped to your back from a tank, APC or other 50+ ton big*** hunk of steel you have no desire to encounter or interact with:) & hey, the rain is nice, use it as a portable shower to keep the sweat off. Finnish smelling like a rose.

[Paniolo]

Is is politically incorrect to say, "Break a leg"!?! :thud: :naughty:

Seriously, I'll be rooting for you 'SS':cheers:

[sixpac shakur]

I did it! I finished my first 10K in 1:12:40. I'm super slow but I finished and I even ran the whole thing.

The weather conditions were HORRIBLE! Anyone in San Diego knows that yesterday was crazy! It hailed on me three times while I was out on the course. At one point I had to run while holding the hood of my jacket over the side of my face because the hail was pelting me in the eyeballs! The freezing headwinds (with rain when it wasn't hailing!) were gusting upwards of 20mph. I've never run in weather like that before and I'm really proud.

I'm not too sore today. My hammies are a little tight and my knee's a little sore but overall I feel pretty good!

[ialsohaveadream]

:cheers: So yeah, hail...that must suck. And strong winds. Wow, haven't the race organizers ever heard of a rain-out date?

[ShawnLee]

Congrats! I was in SD yesterday and yes! It totally sucked! I'm surprised you actually did it, I'm with IAHAD, they should've closed that sucker down and done it on another day.

[zippyjuan]

You must have been freezing out there. Those are some very hard conditions to run in. Congratulations on getting through it! Great job. Now take a hot shower!

[sixpac shakur]

My shoes are drying out in the sun today. :) Thanks for everyone's support! Disneyland Half-Marathon here I come!

[nickel]

what an accomplishment. good job sixpac shakur. :)

[kgsilvas]

Congrats! :thumbup:


...Wow, haven't the race organizers ever heard of a rain-out date?
It's in So Cal, don't you know it doesn't rain in California? :bigeyes:

[Jeffbx]

Nice going!

There's nothing like running in really crappy weather to make you appreciate the easy days.

So, your marathon training starts soon?

[sixpac shakur]

I want to start training for a half marathon. I'm not sure if I'll ever have the guts (or the body) to try for a full!

[Jeffbx]

All it takes is time...

Do a 10 mile next, then a half marathon. If you can do a 10k today, you can do a marathon in a year with hard work, or in 2 years with semi-regular exercise & training. Barring any physical problems, of course.

[ialsohaveadream]

It's in So Cal, don't you know it doesn't rain in California? :bigeyes:
You know, Tony Toni Tone once told me something to that effect. But you know me, I never listen.