Advice needed

[Stephanie]

Hello All!

I am new to running, just recently joined the Learn to Run program at Tri&Run (which I am loving by the way!) and I must say I feel like I'm becoming addicted to the high I get when I run, and the feeling of accomplishment when I finish.

When I first started the program nearly 4 weeks ago, I doubted I could run for more than 2 or 3 minutes without having to stop.  Well I quickly learned that I totally underestimated myself!  Last night I ran for 30 straight minutes (sometimes at a very slow pace) and didn't need to stop once for a walking break.  I was so proud.

I am curious to know how and when it is smart to start thinking about taking part in a race of some sort.  Being that I am new to this sport, I don't know when or how I will know if I am ready to start that adventure.  While I know it is not realistic for me to sign up for a 10K already, I do know that I need some sort of goal in order to keep moving forward.

Any advice?

[Jon]

Hi Steph,

Welcome to the sport and congrats on your recent development!  Without knowing your age, current running paces and athletic background I will try and give you something to go by or at least think about.... :-)

There are a couple of ways to answer your question of - when can I race?  And really, the answer(s) kind of depend on that of another question - why do you want to race or what do you hope to get out of the race?  If you want to race to be competitive and win awards then you will need to be patient and build a big running base, and likely gain lots more experience.  But if it is simply to complete a set distance, set a personal best and enjoy taking part in an event (as most of us do) then I would say you are already ready to sign up for a 5km.  As long as you have the desire (which you seem to have) then I have no doubt you will complete any race you set out to do.  If you are consistent with your training, there is no reason you couldn't sign up for a spring 10km (IMO).  The only consideration will be that you give yourself the proper time to build up to whatever distance you choose. 

Good luck,
Jon

[pattiw]

Hi Stephanie

Good work.  I too am a beginner runner.  I started in April and know how you feel about being ready.  That being said, I decided to just sign up for something and get ready.  I am doing my first "race" on Sunday at the Sydenham 8km which I think for me is a good distance, I am sure I can do it but there it will be challenge.  I am not in the market for prizes I am just doing it to prove to myself that I can.
Good luck no matter what you decide. 

Patti

[Stephanie]

Thank you for the great info Jon and Patti.

To answer a few questions...

I have always been a fairly active person, but by no means do I consider myself an athlete.  In High School I was very active, but that was over 10 years ago!

My goals are varied.  Right now I know it is not realistic to think I could win a race!  For now I would be happy with being able to complete something.   

I feel a strange sort of passion for this sport (which I have never felt for other things) even though I am so new to it.  I am striving to be as healthy and fit as possible, and I want to harness my desire early on so I can stick with it.  I don't have a lot of active people in my circle of family and friends (however they are very supportvie of this venture), so I feel that it is important to have goals set for me to accomplish.

Happy running!

[chattyfeet]

I found what you wrote about not considering yourself an athlete so interesting, because I feel (or shall I say felt) the same way about myself.  Websters' defines an athlete as "a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports or games requiring physical strenght, agility or stamina".  Well then, I am an athlete!!!  I have run 3 full marathons and over 10 halfs.  BUT I dont' consider myself an athlete because I was never "good" at sports...meaning baseball, floor hockey (okay, we're going back to elementary school!) and such.  I was always the girl who was accused of "throwing like a girl" and if a ball was coming my way, I'd pray that someone else would get it!  I was also NEVER the first, or second, or third, or fourth one picked when teams were being chosen in school either!  I t hink I also hesitate to think of myself that way because I am what is considered a "slow" runner....I'm at the back of the pack, always.  I never care about how long it takes me, I 'm just proud to finish...but I always considered the people that finish a lot faster than me the "real" athletes.  And I hear a lot of people refer to me as an athlete, and I often corrected them.  But not now...and Stephanie, according to Webster, you are an athlete too!!! 

[Patchoulimoon]

Thank you, Stephanie,  for your question... I've found it very helpful!  Also, thanks for telling us of your progress, as a fellow beginner it's given me hope!  Oh, and thank you Chattyfeet for clarifying what an athletic person is.... as a yoga instructor and a new runner I can finally say "I am athletic!",  lol.   

Kim.