My first 5K!

[Gashlycrumb]

So I ran my first race last Sunday in Madison. It was the Canterbury 5K Run for Literacy, and I had a great time. It was cool but sunny. Perfect for a run. Granted it was a tiny run, but it was my first one and I like to start easy.

About the run: I used a trick my triathlon club taught me on how to get water at the station without stopping.

1. Grab the cup by the top and squeeze it closed.

2. Proceed to drink with caution like it's a funnel.

I grabbed it fine, but had problems drinking while bouncing around. Takes practice I guess. I also learned that I shouldn't drink on a short run (made me nauseated), but I still kept up the pace. I didn't walk once and that was my goal. In the end, I'm quite proud of myself. I came in #10 in my age group (57 total) and #39 with all the women 5Kers (251 total). I was so surprised in that I did much better than I expected. After all, I hadn't started any serious training yet. Only a 25 minute run once a week all by my lonesome.

I hope all of you who have been training for their first races lets me know how it's going by posting their experience. I bet you too will do better than you expect. If not, I hope you at least have fun.

[qetta]

Awesome job, Gashlycrumb! Yay you! I hope to do my first 5k sometime soon ...

[eggplant]

Good for you! By the way, I don't see how people can drink during a run. It gives me a cramp. I never stop for water during a race, even the 1/2 marathon I ran, and I do fine. I guess a marathon with no water would be pushing it though...

[Tash]

*Claps*.....well done you........T.

[Gashlycrumb]

quetta: Have you picked a race? This fall? My recommendation (not that you asked, but it helped me) is to pick one and pay the fee. Then you can't back out and it gives your training a bit of excitement. Let me know what happens ok?

Eggplant: Wow, a half marathon and nothing to drink? You're a tough one. As for me, I don't think this sensitivity is good. I ate 1 1/2 hours before the race and still felt it bumping around in my belly (just a smoothie and toast w/nut butter). Not such a big deal with a 5K, but in a marathon or the Ironman, food and drink will be necessary. I need to teach my body to handle these things. At least I hope this is something your body can learn...

Tash: Thanks

[slynny]

Congrats Gashly! Well done.