5K for Thanksgiving?

E

earlyexerciser

Cathlete
I have never run in any races and I have just been asked to run a 5K for Turkey Day. I am in pretty good shape. I have been doing mostly cardio (little weights) for the past month or so.

I tested myself on the treadmill on Saturday and I ran a 5K on the treadmill, no incline in 29:18. The actual course is a very flat one. Do you think that it is possible for me to keep up with a runner (My partner has run in quite a few races)outdoors for this (It's in like 3 weeks, isn't it?)? I run on the treadmill (Cardio Coach and itreads), not outdoors. The weather here could be 30 degrees by then, but if we're lucky, it could be 50...It is the Detroit Turkey Trot.

Any advice would be appreciated!
TIA!
Jenn
 
Hi Jenn.

Have you ever run outdoors before? I ask because running outside is quite different from running on the TM and you could find it to be a challenge if you are not used to it.

FWIW, I wouldn't worry about "keeping up" with your friend. Start together but if she wants to pull ahead and you can't, let her go. Run the race for YOU. Do the best YOU can do and don't worry about anyone else! She is the faster runner I presume. If she wants to slow it down and keep pace with you, that is up to her but don't think you shouldn't enter this race just cause you may not keep up with her!

Good Luck girl!:)
 
Hi Jenn,

Checkout Coolrunning.com for 5K training schedules. It is great you have some time to train a little. You should really try to run a few times during the week outdoors to give you a better feel for what it is like to run on roads. This is very much different then the treadmill. One it is a harder surface and two there are inclines and declines. You might have some tibia or shin soreness the first couple of times and you want to be in the best condition to run a 5K. If your friend is faster and used to racing I would try not to think about actually sticking with him or her because he/she may get the their game face on in a race as a veteran runner. Go to the race together and enjoy the excitement and agree to meet up afterwards. This way both of you can actually do the race at your own speeds. Who knows you might even get ahead of your friend. }(

Good Luck! And most importantly have fun.:)
 
I say GO FOR IT!!!! And I agree w/ the poster who said not to worry about "keeping up" with your friend. Also agree about outside running being WAY different than the TM.

My first TG 5K it took me FOREVER (47:00ish), but I finished and I "ran" all the way. Last year (2nd TG 5K), I did the same course in 35:00.

Personally, I like the idea of running a 5K on TG Day just to set the right tone for the day (and to make up for a little indulging later LOL).
 
Like Andrea (HI, Andrea :)) I SAY GO FOR IT ALSO!!!!

What a great way to show how thankful you are for being around to ENJOY the day, right!

This year, my sis, mom, my 2 boys and I are ALL doing the local 5K in our town on T-Day!

Gayle
 
Just a tip: if you are training on the treadmill, set it to a 1% incline, which is supposed to more accurately compensate for outdoor conditions (like wind resistance, even on a 'non-windy' day).
 
I agree with everyone, you could definitely do it!! I would get in at least one outdoor run before that, it does take some getting used to. And also that way you will know how to dress so you don't get too cold or overheated.

Good luck to you, just be warned that you might get addicted to the racing!! It's fun! :)
 
Thanks for the input! I just registered and now I'm excited! I will try all of your tips.

I like the idea of putting the treadmill at 1% incline. I cannot always get out of the house for my runs (children at home), so that is why I am on the TM much of the time.

I used to run outdoors before children. I remember always wanting something covering my mouth, since the air is so cold on my throat. I hope that I can get the feel of running outdoors again quickly.

I hope that I DO get addicted to racing. It will help keep me healthy!

Thanks for all of the advice! That is why I love this forum so much!
Jenn
 
Hey, Jenn. I already responded up above, but I just wanted to add something in real quick. I run on my treadmill 2-3 times per week. Like you, I cannot get to run outside, so my runs are ALL on the TM. I have it set at 1.5% incline at ALL times. Very rarely do I go below that. I run a 5K or longer race, pretty much every 2-3 weeks, and have NO problem adjusting to outdoor races. (and, might I add, that my times are getting faster and faster, lol)

Take all the suggestions, though, and run at least once outside to get your shins and calves used to the feeling!

GOOD LUCK!!! KEEP US POSTED!!!!!

Gayle
 
Thanks for the information, Gayle! It is good to know that you run on the TM and are still getting results!

I will have to follow the same routine (running primarily on the TM), but I know that I will be able squeeze in a few runs outdoors. I don't want any surprises on race day!

Thanks again!
Jenn
 
LOL. Jenn....I was thinking about you last night as I was chatting with a friend who wants to start up doing a few local races. Then I had a dream last night, where you and I were doing a 5K race, Thanksgiving Day, on our TREADMILLS! LOL FUNNY, because I don't even know what you look like, but yet I knew it was YOU in my dream !LOL

Gayle

p.s. We kicked BUTT in the TM race! lol
 
Gayle!! That is a great dream!! I will picture us KICKING BUTT in a race, too, during my next workout!!

Now I have more questions, of course... (if anyone has time or inclination!!!)

Should I eat the morning of my race? The starting time is 8:00. I usually eat around 6:30 (egg whites in a ww tortilla or a bowl of Kashi, or PB in a ww tortilla).

Should I warm up and how would I do it at the starting area? I usually warm up for about 5 minutes and then do a stretch.

I tried my latest TM run at a 1.5% incline and I noticed a difference. I will try to get outside this weekend, too.

Thanks for the great advice!!
 
>Should I eat the morning of my race? The starting time is
>8:00. I usually eat around 6:30 (egg whites in a ww tortilla
>or a bowl of Kashi, or PB in a ww tortilla).

If you normally eat before a run then you should definately eat before a race.

>Should I warm up and how would I do it at the starting area?
>I usually warm up for about 5 minutes and then do a stretch.

Do whatever warm up works for you. You will likely see people warming up all around the registration area and in the streets close to the starting line. Just follow suit in the same area.
 
Hi Jenn,

I agree with Wendy. It is always good to test out how things would feel on race day.
Eat your breakfast as normal. Then test this out by doing a test run on the course a week or two before the race. You will get a better idea of how that breakfast is going to feel in your stomach. And the race course will have in store for you.

I hope you get outside this weekend to test this out.:)

Have a good race and enjoy yourself. :7
 
>I have never run in any races and I have just been asked to
>run a 5K for Turkey Day. I am in pretty good shape. I have
>been doing mostly cardio (little weights) for the past month
>or so.
>
>I tested myself on the treadmill on Saturday and I ran a 5K on
>the treadmill, no incline in 29:18. The actual course is a
>very flat one. Do you think that it is possible for me to keep
>up with a runner (My partner has run in quite a few
>races)outdoors for this (It's in like 3 weeks, isn't it?)? I
>run on the treadmill (Cardio Coach and itreads), not outdoors.
> The weather here could be 30 degrees by then, but if we're
>lucky, it could be 50...It is the Detroit Turkey Trot.
>
>Any advice would be appreciated!
>TIA!
>Jenn

:) Just Do It!!-(Good Luck and Have Fun With It)

Viki
 
i say go for it! i do agree that you will ned to log some runs outside before you race. that said, one winter the weather was so terrible that i trained almost exclusively on a treadmill for one of my marathons (18 and 20 mile runs on a treadmill can be a bit boring-i caught up on my tv shows!).

a 5K is a very manageable distance. you can do it.

thanksgiving day races are always fun. i run the atlanta half marathon most thanksgivings. i will be doing it this thanksgiving with two friends who have never run a half before.

definitely do it and let us know how it goes!!!
 
Hi Jenn,

Speaking of iTread...I just finished my 40min cardio session with #23. Love these!

I think you will be fine to do this race. I just think that you should take it outside for a couple runs to see how your ankles and shins are going to feel. Road running is tougher then treadmill running for the fact the road does not give like the treadmill.

As for your friend...I think maybe you both should run together outside if this is what she/he normally does. That way you can gauge whether or not you can keep up. But...your friend might just want to do this as a fun race and not go all out. You'll have to talk to him/her about how serious she/he is going to take this one.

I say do it for the fun of it. You may beat quite a few people and then get hooked into racing too. Enjoy! }(
 
I have run a few 5Ks, and I do agree that running on a course - like pavement - is different than the treadmill. After you try it a few times, you may find your legs hurt a bit because I guess the TM propels you forward a bit or something, where as when you run on pavement, YOU are doing ALL of the work.

I wouldn't worry about run time or anything - or keeping up with your partner. A 5K is short enough you won't get lost or anything - and it will be good experience.

:)
 
I won't have the chance to train with my partner, as she lives in another state!! We will be meeting up the night before.

I am not worried about my time (but I am competitive and I want to do my best!!), and she is not worried about hers (but I told her to run ahead if she wants to and I will be right behind!!).

I have been training outside, but it is sprints on hills, lunges up the hills and other BootCamp stuff like that through my gym (three times a week). It is not the same, I know, but it will help me with getting used to breathing the colder air...

I am about to head outdoors for a run...
Thanks for the encouragement!!
Jenn
 
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