As the title of this post eludes to, I’m two months out from my first 10k in March. I signed up in October, figuring it would give me ~five months to train. And I don’t really have a training plan. It’s more of me just going with the flow.
In November, I found out that I can run four miles at once, which is a big milestone. My time was between 44 and 45 minutes, and by December, I was running 4 miles in about 43 minutes. According to my running spreadsheet, I ran 19 miles in six runs in November and 20 miles in seven runs in December.
I’m aiming to run two to three times a week, and if I really don’t feel like running, I’ll ride the stationary bike we have in my basement for an hour. I also joined a workwell program at work where if I work out three times a week for a certain period of time (I think it’s four months?) I can get a gift card to the bookstore, dining points, or a half day off. So that’s why I’m trying to get to working out three times a week and substituting bike riding for one workout if needed.
I normally run between three and four miles each time I run; it just depends on how much time I have. I go to the track at work once a week, and I’ve been braving the elements and running outside in 30-40 degree weather. Last Saturday, I ran outside in 30 degrees and I ran better than I thought I would. The only downside was that I was cold for the rest of the day. I’ve run six times already this month and logged ~17 miles so far.
My next goal is to run five miles, hopefully by the middle of February. I don’t doubt I can do it; it’s realistically I just need to set aside the time. I’m not really concerned about my time. I’d just rather know that I can actually do it. My pace is always the same—around 10:30 for a mile, plus ~one minute or so of walking in between—so I’d assume my five miles would fall around 55-58 minutes.
I’d like to run six miles once before the race. Well, technically 6.2 miles. When I signed up for the race, I had to estimate my 10k time, and I said 70 minutes—since my 5k time is around 35 minutes but I’ve gotten it down to around 33 minutes. The 10k race has three waves, so I’m probably in the back one. Which is fine. All that matters is that I finish, plus this will give me a baseline for my 10k.
Feel free to drop some running advice or motivation in the comments!
Strikeouts + Sprinkles 
I have no running advice, other than if I’m trying to run for a longer stretch before switching to walking, I usually get a song I hate (aka Taylor Swift) and try to run for the whole duration of the song. I think you are far past that sort of advice.
BUT for motivation: you got this, girl! You are awesome sauce with cherries and sprinkles and you are totally going to rock this run! You have an amazing schedule set up and I know you’ll do great! 🥰
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As long as you get at least five miles in, you’ll be fine for the 10K. Adrenaline will get you through that last 1.2 Good luck!!
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Thanks! It’ll be my biggest run yet, since about 5,000 people run it, and there are that many more spectators. So I’m hoping the atmosphere of the crowd plus adrenaline will get me over the finish line! Plus I can get beer(s) after, so that’ll be my motivation to finish.
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Spectators always help keep me going! You’ll do great! Enjoy that beer hehe!
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I agree with the comment above, the adrenaline on race day is awesome and the people cheering you on the sides help too.
My advice for running in cold weather would be to layer up (so you can take some off when you get warm) and change clothes as soon as you get home. If you’re still cold after taking a shower, make sure you refuel properly with a mix of carbs and proteins (I like chocolate soy milk). Low blood sugar can make you feel cold. I shake for hours after a long run!
You got this! 🏃🏼♀️
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There are normally around 5,000 runners plus more spectators, so it’s a pretty big race (at least for me). When I run outside, I wear a long sleeve shirt under a zip-up, leggings, an ear band, and gloves if needed. When I ran in 30-degree weather, that combo worked for me. The thought of a warm shower when I get home motivates me to finish haha.
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Big races a great fun, I hope you enjoy it!
The thought of a warm shower is certainly great motivation! I’m just about to go take one now… 😂
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It sounds like training is going well!! My best advice is get a playlist together for the race that keeps you excited and motivated. I feel like each new song I hear when racing gets me more and more pumped up!
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You are doing so well!! Good luck on the rest of your training. I’m sure you will be amazing at the 10k with how you are doing! 🙂
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