Running my first race tomorrow
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Anonymous
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I've been running on my own for a few years now, but will be running my first race tomorrow. It is a 10k. I am signed up for a longer race in a few months, and wanted to be able to get proof of time plus just a bit more of a "low key" first experience.
I'm worried. Yesterday I was super busy and didn't get a chance to get any exercise. Of course, I don't want to overdo it today, but did get in a quick 2 mile easy run in the rain. I got my period yesterday. Typically, for me..days 2 and 3 are the worst as far as cramps/lack of energy, etc...so I'll have that going on for me tomorrow, great. And I don't know if it's allergies, or if I'm coming down with a cold, but I have that heavy head, scratchy throat feeling too. I just know I won't be at my best tomorrow for running. Wish me luck? |
Anonymous
| Good luck! |
Anonymous
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Good luck and enjoy your first race!
Don't worry about the lack of exercise in the past few days--I usually run Wednesday and not at all Thurs Fri before a Saturday 10k, just a warm up run a few minutes before the race starts. If ibuprofen helps your menstrual symptoms, take some before you run...and the run, once you get going, should help even more. The race atmosphere and adrenaline feel great...you'll have a blast! |
Anonymous
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Do not take anti-histamines. They can be dehydrating. Even if you have a cold, your adrenaline will carry you through.
The hardest thing about racing is pacing. Start out slow, no matter how good you feel. Its much better to pick up your pace later in the race than to hit the wall. And have fun! |
Anonymous
| Have a great run!!!! Looks like a beautiful day for it!! |
Anonymous
| You'll be totally fine. Good luck, and have a blast! |
Anonymous
| Awesome! Have fun! |
Anonymous
| You'll do great!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!! |
Anonymous
| How did it go OP??? If I had seen this before I would have told you to load up on the Motrin as much as 800mgs on race day. Great for pain from lactic acid build up while running and side benefit: period cramp queller. |
Anonymous
People who say "You'll be fine!" to women who have debilitating periods really piss me off. The pain and bloating can be excruciating for some women. I hope she took large doses of NSAIDS before running. |
Anonymous
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NSAIDs are a terrible idea for races. They are metabolized through the kidneys which are being overtaxed by the effort of the race. It probably doesn't matter for a 10K but distance runners can end up with kidney failure from NSAIDs during races. Large doses are particularly dangerous.
I don't think anyone is minimizing her symptoms but trying to alleviate her anxiety about race day. Its really easy to be anxious about races in general, especially your first, and to displace the anxiety onto every physical sensation. Then on race day the adrenaline does amazing things and it goes much better than anticipated. Thats all anyone is saying. |
Anonymous
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Thanks everyone!
My time wasn't as good as I had hoped, but I think it was still a good experience. It was a fairly small race (I think about 800 people) so it wasn't terribly crowded and a good way to start out as my first race. My time was just under 59 minutes for the 10k. I think the running actually helped with the cramping/aching, took my mind off it, I guess. |
Anonymous
Um, where did she say her periods were "debilitating"? And, taking NSAIDS before running is a horrible idea, unless you want her to get a nice GI bleed. But I'm so glad my attempt to be supportive pissed you off. Have a nice day! OP, so glad to hear it went well!! Some days are just better than others, as you know, but good for you for doing it. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend. |
Anonymous
| Really. A person with normal kidney function and no other pre-existing conditions is not going to get kidney failure or a GI bleed from taking Motrin and running a 10k. Especially since while running a race you are constantly hydrating. I've been racing for 30 years. |
Anonymous
| OP, for a first race - a 10K at that - a sub 59 minute time is awesome! Congrats. What are your plans for a next race? |