Well, the one I did was called the “Wacky 5K” (in Chicago). It was a lot of fun and, as the title suggests, wacky…people were dressed up as cartons of milk and stuff. heh. So I’d suggest anything that just looks laid back and fun…enjoy your first 5K :)

I don’t know what a “good” time would be, but I made it in 33 minutes as a first timer – which was better than I expected (I was shooting for 40 minutes). If you’re running for the first time, I would recommend just finishing the race as a goal, then use that time as a benchmark for future runs.

my vote is to pick a race that has a pretty good number of runners and spectators, but nothing huge. I like to have other people around to pace with and its always nice to have people cheering you on. But if its too crowded its hard to run and isn’t always as fun, and that doesn’t seem like a good idea for a first race. Too few people is kind of a let down as well, it more like just going for a run than doing a race.

The Race for the Cure is generally a good one, but I’m sure there are plenty more in your area!! Good Luck!! :)

The main thing is that you decide to do a race. Ideally, pick one that looks like fun…lots of spectators are good and having some of your own support accompany you to the race is also a help. Most of all, do some training and just have fun with it. Walk some when you need to. It’s not a big deal. Good luck!

Things that are important to me in a first race….find a race that is not too huge….you want to have a good, fun experience and not have to worry too much about crowds. A flat course is good to start, too. I also think about doing a race for a charity that I support. Most important….relax and have fun! You can do it!!!

Hey Potsticker, really, any 5k is a good one to start off on. There are many 5k’s around, and I agree with everyone else where you should try ones with a lot of people, and just try to finish. It’s ok to walk some, and do whatever you please. Time shouldn’t matter on the first one.

Run with a friend or
two.

It’s more fun.

Race time is almost always early Saturday
or Sunday.

Get used to being up and about by 7 or 8
a couple of weekends prior.

Go for 20 minutes of jogging or walking.

Do anything but run two days before the
race.

That’s about the best I can offer!

If you want to get more serious, check out a training plan: they really work!

http://www.runnersworld.com/channel/0,5032,s6-51-0-0-0,00.html

matty

I ran my first one in.. 31:14- which was pretty decent for me- just finish it, and never give up. And always make sure you have good shoes! My second one I raced in terrible shoes and got shin splints SO bad, my time was 34:20, which is depressing. Keep running & good luck!

Try a smaller, fun race—like a local charity 5K. Bring a friend or two of similar or better ability so that you can push each other! And always look forward to the finish. Many times they have music and snacks…

But before the race, make sure you get in at least a 15-minute warmup and some stretches. And do skip running for two days before the race…

Never give up!

It’s a great feeling when you finish.

I would recommend Race for the Cure, it attracts a LOT of first time runners, and there’s a sense of camaraderie and group support, I didn’t find it competitive at all, just a lot of fun. You can go all hardcore and competitive on your second one, but have fun the first time around!

Pick something with a flat course, and also pick a race with a good number of racers- this way, if you are slow, you won’t be the only one going slow, there are a lot of people cheering on the sides, etc. If you can find a friend who can run at the same pace as you, that helps a lot too!

Girls on the Run is a great organization, and they put on 5k’s all over the country. My oldest daughter has run two of their 5K’s, and I joined her on the most recent one. It’s an inspiring organization, and SO cool to see all those girls doing a 5K, many of whom are doing it for the first time, and it gets you into the right mindframe to be around so much positivity. Lots of cheering along the route, and the people at the back of the pack are cheered on as much if not more than the people in the front for whom it’s easy. These 5K’s help support the program, and make it possible for more girls to join the program, which is for 3rd-5th graders.

Check out their 5k schedule here:
http://www.girlsontherun.org/
click on 5k race events. We have two a year in my neck of the woods. One is women/girls only and the other is open to anyone, and the biggest 5K where I live.

I also hear, like others have mentioned, that Race for the Cure is a great, inspiring run.