Registered for my first 10K

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

6.2 Miles. 

The “race” is the morning of August 3rd so I have some time to properly train. I am currently in good physical condition but have always preferred to lift hard and have focused on training explosively for short durations of time. I can run a couple miles at a decent pace currently but if I tried to run 5 or 10K right now it would be a struggle and painful  

Any advice for a first-time distance/road race runner? What is the best way to go about training with several months to prepare? How many miles a week should I strart running so that 6+ miles doesn’t feel terrible when August rolls around?

thanks! 

 

[Arroz con Panther]

Must have a lot of runners on here ;)

I'll type up some tips when I'm at a computer.

[Arroz con Panther]

I've run a few half-marathons and have always started training anywhere from 12-14 weeks out. I think it's a little too early for you to start training for the race. Right now, I would focus on just running a mile or two 2-3 times a week to get your body prepared for the actual training. Here were the first 7 weeks of my training schedule for the last half I ran:

The one thing that's going to suck for you is that it's going to be hot (presumably) during your training. I would try to schedule your runs either early morning of when the sun starts going down. If you start casually running now, I think you'll be fine to give yourself 7ish weeks to train. Something always come up: weather, work, etc. so leave flexibility in your training.

Here's a few pointers/tips:

1) Buy yourself a nice pair of actual running shoes. I use Brooks PureCadence. They release new versions every year, so you can go back a version or two and get them a little bit cheaper.

2) Carry a water bottle. You may not need one for your three mile days, but they're good to have. I'm not a huge fan of the fanny packs that you can stick bottles in, so I just carry an easy flip-top one in my hand. 

3) I do wear a tiny little pack (fanny pack, if you must know) to carry my phone in and I have bluetooth headphones to avoid fussing with a wire. Currently, I use the Jaybird x3s. I use them at the gym and while running.

4) I would recommend NOT running on a treadmill. I hate it. It's boring. I'd rather be outside. The most I'll run on a treadmill is three miles unless the weather is crappy outside.

5) I highly recommend getting some running socks, as well. Cotton socks suck when you start to sweat. I use Swiftwick Aspire Zero. They're a bit pricey (for socks), but I haven't had to throw out a pair yet.

6) Download an app to track your runs. I used Endomondo before buying a Garmin watch.

I think that's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll write another post. If you have any questions, let me know! Good luck and have fun. Running sucks at first, but once you get into it, it can be really relaxing and you'll feel great after doing it. There are going to be days when you don't want to do it, but you'll be glad you did.

 

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Thanks for this! That was all super helpful. I currently run 1-1.5 miles a day 4-5 times a week as my warm up when I first get to the gym. So you recommend 8-10 weeks out from the race I should really begin a strict training regimen? I mostly registered for the event to keep myself in shape this summer and force me to run and keep my fitness level high knowing I have a 10K scheduled for August. Should be good motivation to stay active and keep running consistently. I have a pair of Bluetooth headphones I like but will need something to carry my phone while on the road. I currently have a pair of Adidas UltraBoosts that I run in and enjoy but they may not be the best for me. I’ve been thinking about going to a running store and having their employees get me fitted with a shoe that’s best for my foot and running style. Luckily I am in Maine so the summers a pretty mild overall, outside of a few hot days or weeks here and there. I’ll have no clue on the weather the day of the race until a few days out. 

If you think of anything else let me know. Appreciate it! 

[MountaineerChemist10]

Cheers to you sir! I'm planning on running a 10K race myself in the Fall so I'm facing the same situation you are. Only difference is mine isn't until October & I've been running 5-6 days since last Summer. Arroz's advice is spot on. I'd also recommend mixing it up a bit every now & then.

I also recommend weight lifting at least twice a week. It'll definitely help you lose a few pounds at a faster rate than running does alone.

 

[Arroz con Panther]

On 3/15/2019 at 10:51 AM, OnlyPantherFaninMaine said:

Thanks for this! That was all super helpful. I currently run 1-1.5 miles a day 4-5 times a week as my warm up when I first get to the gym. So you recommend 8-10 weeks out from the race I should really begin a strict training regimen? I mostly registered for the event to keep myself in shape this summer and force me to run and keep my fitness level high knowing I have a 10K scheduled for August. Should be good motivation to stay active and keep running consistently. I have a pair of Bluetooth headphones I like but will need something to carry my phone while on the road. I currently have a pair of Adidas UltraBoosts that I run in and enjoy but they may not be the best for me. I’ve been thinking about going to a running store and having their employees get me fitted with a shoe that’s best for my foot and running style. Luckily I am in Maine so the summers a pretty mild overall, outside of a few hot days or weeks here and there. I’ll have no clue on the weather the day of the race until a few days out. 

If you think of anything else let me know. Appreciate it! 

Yea, 8-10 weeks should be plenty especially since you're already running a mile several times a week.