Tips For Running Your First 10KM Race

On Sunday, September 22nd I will be running my first 10km race as part of the Oakville Half Marathon. And before you listen to the voices in your head that say "I could never run a 10km race", just hear me out because you can run a 10km race too.  It all started in the Spring when my sister and I were lamenting over the lack of exercise we had been doing and wanting to make a change.  A few days later she called me up and said, I think I might sign up for a race as it would give me something to work towards.  My response?  Great idea!  She found a 10km race in Oakville that was in September, several months away so that we'd have time to train, and we both signed up as did a few other mamas I know.  Am I a runner?  No.  Have I ever done a race before?  One.  The 5km Run For The Cure in Burlington last year with not one pre-run completed before race day (not something I would recommend!).

momstown Oakville's 2012 Run for the Cure team

We're now only three weeks away from the big race and here is what I have learned and what I wanted to share with others who may be even remotely thinking about doing the same thing.

1.  My sister had a good idea, signing up for a race makes a big difference.  I never would be running as far as I am if I wasn't signed up for a race.  Once you sign up for the race, chances are you will tell people that you signed up and this is another factor in making sure you do it!  Race day is also fun - people cheering you on, maybe a t-shirt or a race bib, and usually some free snacks at the end.  I got a t-shirt when I did the 5km race and every time I pull it out of my drawer I still feel good that I did the race.

2.  Find a running buddy.  Without my running buddy I never would have run as often or as far as we have (thanks Nora!). We chat during our runs and naturally, you will push yourself more if you are running with another person. She says I improve her pace and she pushes me to do longer distances.

3. Keep it realistic.  There are lots of options for training such as signing up for a running clinic, doing an online program or just setting your own weekly goals.  Don't join a running group that commits you to 4 nights a week if there is no way that you will get there.  It will discourage you.  As a mom with young kids, its a constant battle to make time for myself to exercise so I have been running 1-2 a week, slowly increasing the distance.  We've also been running what is knows as 10 & 1's meaning we run for 10 minutes and walk for a minute.  In my head I always tell myself that I was in labour for longer than 10 minutes so I can certainly get through 10 minutes of running if I birthed two children!

4.  Try and enjoy it, but no pressure.  Not going to lie, losing weight is a nice by product of exercise but don't make it the sole reason that you commit to doing a race.  You may lose weight, you may not, depending on if you change your diet or how often you are running.  Remember that making an exercise program a priority is an improvement in your life if you haven't been doing that before.  You are also setting a good example for your kids, improving your overall health and wellness.  I have also enjoyed seeing different neighbourhoods during the course of our runs and now that the leaves are starting to change, the scenery is getting even better.

5.  Evaluate.  Overall, have I enjoyed training for this race?  Sort of.  I have enjoyed seeing my friend more often as we've been running together once a week.  I have enjoyed feeling my muscles work, accomplishing new things and challenging myself, but I don't think long distance running is for me.  I just don't enjoy it that much.  I've never gotten the runners high or felt like I could run for hours (apparently this really does happen to some people!).  I think a perfect race for me would be 8km and I'd rather work on getting faster for a shorter race than aiming for longer distances.  I have learned that there are tons of different types of races like mud runs, runs with obstacle courses, etc and I think these might be more my style.  I need to change things up so am also thinking about a mini triathalon as I think I would enjoy it more. The running has made me think about what type of activity I do like and has reminded me how much I enjoy playing team sports like soccer or hockey so I am trying to work that into the rest of my year.

So, after all that, have I convinced you that you too can run a 10km race?  You can, I promise you, you can. I encourage you to push yourself towards a fitness challenge that might be a bit of a stretch.  My guess is you'll surprise yourself just like my fellow momstown Edmonton mamas did when they signed up for a half marathon!  Read more about their journey here.  It's pretty incredible what you can accomplish when you push yourself outside your comfort zone.  Stay tuned for my post race blog post and wish me luck!