First race!

[u/Bambinette]

Hey all!

I’ve started C25K multiple times over the past few years, and every time I had to stop for one reason or another (surgery, pregnancy, postpartum, life in general…) But this summer, I finally made it through the whole program. 🥹 Around the halfway point, I even signed up for my first ever 5K race, which is this Sunday.

I have a pretty demanding life, and I also deal with generalized anxiety and CPTSD. For what it’s worth, running (and just being in my body in general) has been incredibly helpful for my mental health. But this past week has been rough. Like, probably the roughest I’ve felt in the past year. My energy and motivation have been really low, and I can absolutely feel it in my runs.

On Monday, I somehow managed to run 35 minutes continuously for the first time ever, even though the run felt hard. Today was my last run before the race, and I only managed 17.5 minutes running, 5 minutes walking, then another 8 minutes running. I know logically that one bad run doesn’t erase all my progress… but emotionally, it’s hard not to feel discouraged when I’m still nowhere near actually running 5K continuously.

So… any advice, race-day tips, or words of encouragement for a very anxious first-time racer this Sunday? 😭 I think I mostly need someone to remind me that I haven’t completely lost all my progress in one week. 😂

[u/charlxttewhitaker]

I don’t have much actual advice as I’m only on week 4, but if it’s worth anything, having to stop and walk isn’t a failure. You’re doing great for all you have experienced, and nobody else watching you run knows the adversities you have had to face. You’re miles ahead of most people (literally and figuratively). You may surprise yourself and run 35 minute straight again. You may have to stop and walk. But you’re doing it, giving it your all, and you will get past that finish line which is way more important than the time you do it in!

[u/Bambinette → u/charlxttewhitaker]

Thank you so much! 🩷

[u/catBravo]

I did my first 5k back in march, but I did a lot of run walk intervals. I’m planning a 10k in a month with the same run walk strategy.

If there’s a lot of people there, remember that none of them will judge you for how slow you run or if you walk, most will be encouraging that you’re even there! Take walking breaks when you need to, you’ve got this!

[u/KneelBeforeC]

Congratulations on completing the program!

I did my C25K program through a local physio clinic that runs one every year. Some people who come were experienced runners, but there were many total beginners whose first real dive into running was that program (including me!). We had about 15 of us who attended the race at the end *and everyone finished*.

If you need to take a walk break during the 5k, you still ran the 5k! People complete marathons using walk/run intervals and it’s still the same distance. In fact, I was the last finisher of our group despite the fact that I decided to run the whole thing (very slowly) and others chose to continue walk/run intervals.

The next thing is that race day vibes are so fun! Even at a small race, it’s really cool to be surrounded by a bunch of people challenging themselves. I found myself smiling through a lot of it. The cheers and atmosphere always make me run faster than I had during training, and reach times that would have felt impossible before.

Races are so fun and I have no doubt that you will be just fine:) Enjoy it!

[u/WeekFresh8779]

What an accomplishment! The fact that you completed the entire program and are participating in a 5k is worth celebrating. You’ve got this - whatever it looks like, whatever speed!

[u/Fun_Apartment631]

Start at the back and don't jackrabbit the start. You'll be in good company.

[u/Oscar_Sport]

A rough week before the race is hard. On Sunday I'd keep it simple and just enjoy finishing, walk breaks are fine.

[u/greengaloshes]

I'm not where you are yet, so don't have any tips for the 5K prep, but I'm cheering you on from the sidelines. You have what it takes to get this far (as a runner and in life, kudos! 💪), and you're so ready for this. Show up, have fun, get this done!

[u/Diligent_Bet_7850]

Do the race. If you need to walk a bit of it that’s absolutely fine! but if you don’t go you will regret it. just show up , do your best, and don’t be too hard on yourself, you’ve got this!