Running my first race this morning!

[Telarkaster]

I'm running in the "Santa Shuffle" this morning, a 5km run to raise money for the Salvation Army. My friend at work asked me to join his team. Our team is named after my friend's sister and his wife's brother, both of whom passed away a couple of months ago from cancer. I'll be proud to wear their names on my sweater today.

I've been running for a while now, up to 14km at a time, but this is my first "race" so I'm a bit nervous. I can run for long distances and for a long time, but not very fast. I'm an ex-smoker so my lungs are still healing, and my knees don't like running downhill. We have a couple of ringers in our team, a woman who runs ultramarathons and a guy who ran the Boston marathon. We also have a cardiologist on our team, which is always nice to have! My friend's wife is also an ex-smoker so I guess I won't be alone.

Oddly enough, I'm worried most about the weather: it's nice and sunny but it's 0 degrees Celsius right now but the winds might pick up. I'm worried about overdressing and sweating too much. It's a tricky time of year right now, hard to guess what to wear.

Anyway, I'd better be going, wish me luck!

[dalandan]

Get yourself warmed up prior to the race. Proper stretching is a MUST before any form of exercise.

don't worry about the race. 14km is a good distance for practicing that you practically won't feel the 5k. My best piece of advice, after joining a few of these myself in the past, is to not rush yourself. maintain a good pace throughout the race. don't burn yourself out in the beginning. use the team as an advantage to maintain a certain pace.

stay mentally ready and focused. the first time you feel tired, get yourself through it. remember that once your second wind kicks in, it's smooth sailing.


most of all, enjoy the opportunity! good luck!

[RodeoTex]

Good for you Kaster. I'm with you in spirit.

[neocaster]

Have a fun race. Stretch before and after warming up.

[tschommer]

While it's important to warm up before the race I think the general consensus (well not here) is stretching before exercise not only not necessary but can actually cause injuries. Muscles need to be warm when they are stretched.

P.S. Good luck in your race!

[neocaster]

thanks tschommer. I've been advised both ways. I stretch gently before runs and have been (so far) injury free. I am prone to calf cramping and stretching after a 10 minute warmup has been the best thing I've ever done for myself.

[Telarkaster]

Thanks guys! I was nervous for no reason, it was a real casual affair. People wearing Santa hats with their kids and dogs. The serious guys took off at the start, me and my buddy hung back and chatted as we ran. I was no where near the slowest and I realize now that a 10km would be more up my alley. I was warned that races are addictive! What a great feeling to be cheered as I crossed the finish line.

As for stretching, I used to believe it was important but not anymore. I think it depends on how stiff I feel. I think starting off at a reasonable pace is a better way to warm up, saving my energy for the sprint at the end. But that's just me, whatever works for you, as long as you keep moving!

[telemaster03]

Good for you, Telarkaster!

I enjoy running but was recently diagnosed with a runners injury (exertional compartment syndrome). It will require a pretty drastic surgery if I want to keep running. Debating the surgery or giving up running, don't care much for either option.