Starting a New Trend

This past March I joined the BAC for Women in Depew. Since then, I have been running on the treadmill and at Losson Park pretty steadily all summer.

Still determined to improve my former partying ways, I thought a healthy hobby would be to get into running 5K events around the area. So on Sept. 11 a friend and I participated in our very first 5K run at Como Park in Lancaster to support the troops overseas, remember 9/11 and do something a little more productive than pajamas and boxed wine.

I'm not your average runner. I showed up to the race with makeup on, a brand-new outfit, and my nails painted, but when I looked around the park there were no "average runners." Ages ranged from 10 to 65. There were families running together, couples, friends, some serious long-distance runners and some people there for their usual evening stroll.

Usually when I go for a jog I am constantly stopping and starting to catch my breath. This wasn't the usual jog. At first I didn't want to stop, and I really didn't pace myself because I would get competitive when people would pass me. I got over that real quickly when we reached our first check-point. I was convinced we had to be at the 2-mile marker but given a swift reality check when I realized I was only through the first mile.

My final time was 34 minutes, which I thought was a pretty good pace for my first run. And it wasn't as rigorous as I had anticipated. Although, echoing in the back of my head throughout the entire race were the sarcastic and motivating words of wisdom from my father: "Whatever you do, don't finish last." -- ha ha dad.

Well I didn't finish last, but it didn't matter. Crossing that finish line was something that a year ago I never thought I would do. Not because I couldn't, but because I really didn't care. But, I have to admit, it was so rewarding and I felt great afterward. I'm already scanning the Web for the next one to participate in.

It was pretty clear that I was a 5K-rookie. I'm not really sure what to eat before a race, how to prepare for one, and I could really use some tips on how to improve.

Any suggestions?

--- Kelly Boquard

Comments

[Elvira]

Sounds like you are well on your way! I was going to suggest runnersworld.com, too. Locally, try the people at Fleet Feet or Runner's Roost. They know what's going on. Running a group with similar goals to run with once a week or so is a great motivator. Invest in a really good pair of running shoes and don't over train! Have fun!

[Kevin]

Congrats on completing your first 5K race!

One resource I've found useful is reading articles off the Runner's World website. They also have lots of training plans you can follow for 5K races or other distances. And the training plans often are flexible to accomodate a "new runner" up to someone really serious about maximizing their potential.

I like to eat a small bowl of oatmeal about an hour or two before a race, if I eat anything at all. If you consume a healthful meal the night before a morning race you really don't have to worry about eating just prior to the start. Any race shorter than a half-marathon (13.1 miles) shouldn't tax your energy reserves to the point of causing problems during the event.

The annual YMCA Turkey Trot is a really fun race to run, if you are looking for race suggestions coming up in the near future. Well organized, lots of people in the race with you, and a fun party afterwards inside.

[Kevin]

Congrats on completing your first 5K race!

One resource I've found useful is reading articles off the Runner's World website. They also have lots of training plans you can follow for 5K races or other distances. And the training plans often are flexible to accomodate a "new runner" up to someone really serious about maximizing their potential.

I like to eat a small bowl of oatmeal about an hour or two before a race, if I eat anything at all. If you consume a healthful meal the night before a morning race you really don't have to worry about eating just prior to the start. Any race shorter than a half-marathon (13.1 miles) shouldn't tax your energy reserves to the point of causing problems during the event.

The annual YMCA Turkey Trot is a really fun race to run, if you are looking for race suggestions coming up in the near future. Well organized, lots of people in the race with you, and a fun party afterwards inside.

[Alexandra Grantham]

Take the makeup off-your skin needs to breathe. It will get clogged with sweat and makeup otherwise, which could lead to breakouts. Plus, you want to sweat as well as possible. No sense in keeping it in when your body is trying to cool off. Good luck! Your body is thanking you!

[yum coffee]

I dont have any suggestions or anything because im not a runner, but I just wanted to say good for you!