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    HEARTS116   56,478
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First Time Runner Here!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I'm training for my first 5k...which is in 3 short weeks! My sister really pushed me to enter and actually signed me up. I found out by receiving the email to my phone! I'm excited to do this. I know I will probably not be able to run 100% of the race but I'm confident I can try and run most of it. So far I have accomplished running 1 1/2 miles straight. The only problem is that my sneakers hurt my feet. I have to make time to get proper shoes ASAP. It's on my To Do list this week.

I'd love to hear from those of you who are running for the first time. What are your challenges? What have you accomplished? Any advise for a first time runner? Thanks Friends!
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMCOLLINGS 10/17/2012 2:17PM

    Have a super fun time and remember that it doesn't matter how fast you go or how much you walk or run, just enjoy the experience. The cool part is the excitement in the air with the other people (and I love the hounds that some people run with too...though I'm tempted to pet every one of them). Just makes you smile inside and out. One thing I do notice is that everyone takes off really fast at the start line. At first, even though I knew I didn't have to go fast, I felt like I should be and would go faster than my regular pace and then wear out too quick. I learned to try and just go at my normal pace even when people were passing me (a lot of times I would pass them back later when they were pooped out). Would love to hear how it goes!

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LOSINGIT000 8/15/2012 4:48PM

    That is so great that you are doing a 5k! I've always been so scared to do something like that. Congrats on giving it a try!!

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SARASMILING 3/8/2012 8:03AM

    Love to hear how you're doing with the running. I'm starting to try and throw a little jogging in with my walking and see where it goes.

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BBQRUES130 8/17/2011 2:09PM

    Congrats on you goal. It is a great one. I ran my first and only 5k to date back in 2009 with my sister. After a hiatus from a healthy lifestyle, I renewed my health goals in Jul 2011. MY SISTER and I are also running our second one this November. I cant wait. The experience was by far and away one of the best experiences I have had in my life and completing it with my sister made it all the sweeter. Just have fun with it. I ran it at 300 plus pounds and I wasn't even last. lol. It doesn't even matter what your ranking is. Finishing it is an accomplishment in of itself. Remember, IF YOU HAVE A BODY YOU ARE AN ATHLETE! Good Luck.

emoticon emoticon emoticon

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ALIWVU121 8/16/2011 7:05PM

    I'm doing my first 5k in October! So hopefully we can both do well! Good Luck with yours!

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MRSKOSITZ 8/15/2011 12:52PM

    The race will pump you up so much you'll do just fine... Good shoes are important...get them now so you have time to break them in before the race!! otherwise you'll have some nasty blisters! GOOD LUCK!!

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FIT-WHIT 8/15/2011 12:40PM

    DEFINITELY get new shoes. And get fitted at a proper running store, so you get the right kind. I suggest getting a half size LARGER than your normal shoe, since I've gone the whole "exact size" on running shoes, and wound up with BLACK TOES after my first half marathon. Your feet will swell as they get warm when you run, so the half-a-thumb space at the front helps prevent blistering. If you get fitted properly, you shouldn't need much time to "break in the shoes" to prevent blisters. They should feel comfortable on your first run.

Don't push too much in the next few weeks, or you'll likely injure yourself. Try to focus on rhythmic breathing and relaxing your body as it "falls" forward-- use gravity to your advantage.

Ideally, you won't want to add more than 10% of your max time or distance to your runs each week, but in a cramp, I'd say try adding 2 minutes or so to each run, with at least a days rest or cross training in between to recover.

Stay positive, and self-pep talk as you're running. Your mind will fatigue you faster than your body, so using reassuring positive statements AS you run (even say them out loud to yourself) will help keep you focused and energized as you're training.

I hope these ideas help! Enjoy your running and have fun with the race! It's a great feeling to accomplish!!

EDIT: You might be interested in a blog I wrote a few months ago about how I got started with running. Check it out if you have time. :)

http://www.sparkpeople.co
m/mypage_public_journal_individ
ual.asp?blog_id=4238203


Comment edited on: 8/15/2011 12:43:29 PM

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HEARTS116 8/15/2011 12:11PM

    Thanks again everyone. I have to update my Ipod with better music and get the new sneakers. I will be ready to rock in less then 3 weeks! Eeek!

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CHANGINGSAM 8/15/2011 10:03AM

    Good luck with the race! I love your attitude!

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POLKADOTREVIVAL 8/15/2011 9:39AM

    Used to run, now having to start over...


Pace yourself and make sure you have great music to listen to.

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TABBYC 8/14/2011 9:45PM

    Get new shoes NOW so that you can break them in. You don't want to run too far with brand new sneakers; you'll end up with tons of blisters and sores. Besides that, train, train, train and drink TONS of water.
Best of luck to you! Can't wait to hear how it went!

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HEARTS116 8/14/2011 8:44PM

    Thanks everyone. I am definitely going to enjoy the race even at 7am! I want to see how long I can run for but will take a break if needed. I'm just glad my sister signed me up!

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ALLYSNEWLIFE 8/14/2011 5:08PM

    It's a totally different feel at the actually race than just running alone. I got hyped up on all the excitement from all the other racers. And don't feel like you have to run the whole thing. Most important thing is to go and enjoy yourself!!

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THINLADY2011 8/14/2011 2:44PM

    Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. But not just with water, especially if you're drinking a lot. Drinking too much water alone, especially if you're sweating, can cause hyponatremia (please look it up if you're not familiar), and that can be deadly.
Other than that: getting properly fitted for running shoes will make all the difference in the world.
Best of luck on your race! emoticon

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SARAHNICOLE__17 8/14/2011 1:35PM

    Pace yourself!

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