What Have I Done?!
Discussion
I'm running in my 1st ever race on Sunday and i'm starting to get quite concerned... 
What am I doing??! I only started training 8 weeks ago and i'm pretty sure i've ran the race distance which is 10K (6.2 miles I think), but not at a competitive pace!! Aaaargh, wish I could back out now!
Has anyone ever ran in a race before? Any experiences to share? Any helpful hints, words of wisdom etc??
I'm kind of hoping to be around the 1hr mark, but I don't know if this is optimistic or not!
I know it's the taking part that counts, but I really don't want to be last, although I am really concerned that I will be!!
What am I doing??! I only started training 8 weeks ago and i'm pretty sure i've ran the race distance which is 10K (6.2 miles I think), but not at a competitive pace!! Aaaargh, wish I could back out now!
Has anyone ever ran in a race before? Any experiences to share? Any helpful hints, words of wisdom etc??
I'm kind of hoping to be around the 1hr mark, but I don't know if this is optimistic or not!
I know it's the taking part that counts, but I really don't want to be last, although I am really concerned that I will be!!
Used to run a lot whan I was a nipper. Was pretty good at it as well 400 and 800 metres was my bag in which I used to run 53 seconds and 2 minutes, but used to do a lot of long distance. 10,000 metres is not too far to run, you was spot on with your estimate.
I think you'll find that in your road race they will probably have a fast start. Don't get pressurised into sticking with them at the beginning as this can have some dire results later in the race if you're not used to it.
Just start off slow and build on that. Should be all over in under an hour.
Grouch.
I think you'll find that in your road race they will probably have a fast start. Don't get pressurised into sticking with them at the beginning as this can have some dire results later in the race if you're not used to it.
Just start off slow and build on that. Should be all over in under an hour.
Grouch.
Probably you aren't the only one doing it for the first time, or the only one at your particular fitness level. Some racers are hardcore athletes, and others are more casual who just go out to see how they do. Anyway, I bet as the crowd spreads out from the start, you'll find a group of people you can keep pace with. You might find that it's a little easier going when you have company, sort of like mutual encouragement, than when you are going by yourself.
groucho said:
I think you'll find that in your road race they will probably have a fast start. Don't get pressurised into sticking with them at the beginning as this can have some dire results later in the race if you're not used to it.
Just start off slow and build on that. Should be all over in under an hour.
Grouch.
I am worried about that. Having looked at last years results, the winner did it in 33m 13s
, jeez that is some pace! There is no way i'm even contemplating keeping up with them... It does say it's a fast course.... they're not kidding! Yep, I think starting off slow is probably the best way, then at least I can build up to a 'faster' pace.
seafarer said:
Probably you aren't the only one doing it for the first time, or the only one at your particular fitness level. Some racers are hardcore athletes, and others are more casual who just go out to see how they do. Anyway, I bet as the crowd spreads out from the start, you'll find a group of people you can keep pace with. You might find that it's a little easier going when you have company, sort of like mutual encouragement, than when you are going by yourself.
My other half is running this race too, it's his 1st ever race too! Unfortunately he's got the job of being a pacemaker, although he may want to leave me behind and set his own pace - we haven't discussed this yet
But yes, it would be nice if I/we could find other people to keep pace with, defintely gives you more encouragement and motivation. Mind due, the free mince pie and mulled wine after the race, and the Christmas pudding to take home offer good encouragement too
.... and I can't back out - both sets of parent are coming to watch
Did a half marathon in 2001 and started off like a train doing sub 5min miles for the first few miles. By the time i passed the 10 mile mark i was almost in tears it hurt that much. Since then i haven't run more than a couple of miles and now i get out of breath looking for the remote
Enjoy the race and pace yourself; run behind someone of similar ability and let them "tow" you along (mentally, don't actually hold on to them). After you've finished keep up the training. Otherwise you'll be like me, telling people you've run a half marathon and getting laughed at 
Enjoy the race and pace yourself; run behind someone of similar ability and let them "tow" you along (mentally, don't actually hold on to them
). After you've finished keep up the training. Otherwise you'll be like me, telling people you've run a half marathon and getting laughed at Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff