6 Proven Things Every Beginner Needs When Training for a 5K #RaceDayRelief #ad

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I have completed more 5Ks than I can count. My fitness level varied at each race-- sometimes I set personal records & ran the entire race, and other times I was happy to have walked over the finish line in last place.

If you're a beginner, coming in last is probably one of your biggest race day fears. This may sound cliche, but even if you come in huffing and puffing into last place (been there) you're still lapping the person sitting on the couch (I have also been there). You will have a sense of self-pride simply for having completed the race.

I quickly learned that there are essentials when it comes to being a newbie runner. These are the top 6 things that are my personal must-haves.

{Proper Gear}

Having a good pair of running shoes is a must. I have used Saucony, Asics, New Balance, and Adidas-- my favorites have always been the Asics. It's worth spending a little extra money for a pair of shoes that will prevent pain in your feet, legs, and hips. 

You'll be a lot more comfortable if you have workout clothes that are made of wicking material. If you're plus-sized like me, it can be difficult to find good workout clothes so if you find some that you like--buy a few! 

Investing in socks that won't slip down into your shoes will help prevent blisters. If you're a woman, wear a supportive sports bra. I always wear sunglasses when running outside. You can buy sunglasses that don't steam up, but I've never bought them.  Wearing a non-slip headband helps keep your hair out of your face.

{Find a Training Program; Make it Yours}

You can find 5K training programs by doing a Google search for "5K training programs for beginners". My personal favorite is the Couch to 5K training program. Each training session lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. You have a choice between completing the workout for time or distance. As a beginner, if I completed the workout for distance it would often take me longer than 30 minutes--and that's ok.

There is no one-size-fits-all training program out there. You have to find a program and make it your own. As a beginner, I struggled to complete even running 60-90 seconds at a time. So I gave myself grace and I stayed on a certain week of the training program for as long as it took me until I felt comfortable or ready to move on to the next week. I would complete the same week over and over again, sometimes for months. 

{A Good Sports Drink}

Hydration is important when you're exerting yourself while running. I drank water at first, but then decided to try a low calorie sports drink and I was amazed at the difference that I felt. I had more energy and increased my endurance. I personally use a drink that's only 35 calories, is sweetened with stevia, and doesn't contain anything artificial. 

{Fast Acting Advil Film-Coated}

There's no doubt about it, training for a 5K can be painful. You're putting a lot of pressure on your joints and pushing your body to do more than it's used to-- you will more than likely be a little (or a lot) sore.

While training for any kind of race, whether it's a 5K or a stock car race-- comfort is key when it comes to the big Race Day. Participants spend a lot of time preparing for Race Day and not having to be distracted by discomfort is a plus for any rookie, even Ty Dillon knows how important it is to be comfortable for the big race after placing in the top 6 at his first race at a new venue.

While it's good to have a rest day or two prior to the official race day to make sure you're comfortable, one could also take Advil Film-Coated for fast acting relief from the aches and pains associated with running. Use fast acting Advil Film-Coated for headaches, muscles aches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, back pain, and aches and pains associated with the common cold. Because of the rapid release formula, it begins working within minutes and you'll be ready for Race Day without the aches to slow you down.

I found Advil Film-Coated at Walmart in an 80 count package which also contained 20 free tablets for a total of 100. It was near the pharmacy section in the Pain & Fever aisle.

Click here for a $3 off coupon for the 80 count+ Advil Film-Coated.

{Yoga}

Your muscles will need a good stretching after enduring a run. Yoga is a good practice for your cross training days. It feels absolutely amazing and is a great way to take care of yourself. It's good for the mind and body. You can find free yoga workouts on YouTube.

{Self-Love}

Most of all, be kind to yourself and show yourself love. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to be the fastest. You don't have to run the entire 5K-- it's ok to walk if you need to. Focus on the positives rather than anything you feel you're not doing well enough. Practice makes practice because nobody is perfect. Do your best and that's all that matters. The only one you need to compete with is yourself.

How do you make yourself comfortable for race day? Do you use Advil Film-Coated?

Thankful Journey 5K: Complete

Hey everyone!

Don’t forget that you have through 11/30 to complete your Thankful Journey 5K and be entered to win some awesome prizes! Check out this post for all of the details.

My sister and I did a little mall walking. It took about 6 laps around the mall to get in the 3.1 miles. I pushed a single stroller and she pushed a double. The babies were remarkably content except towards the end.

I’m glad that I got that out of the way so I don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the week!

I am thankful that my sister walked with me and helped pass the time and keep me encouraged.

So far I’m still losing weight this week, despite it being a holiday week, being with family and just out of the normal routine. I’m happy about that!

It’s actually not all that hard to stay on track. I thought it would be a lot more difficult. I think it’s the fact that I just know what I get to eat and that’s it. Plus, I’m filled up and not hungry all the time.

For example, being on WW I would think, “I can have a little bit of this…well, maybe a little more…” and just keep eating and fall off the wagon. Not so much on this plan.

I do plan on eating on Thanksgiving day. Honestly, I’ll probably have shakes for breakfast and supper and eat the delicious food for lunch. If I want pie or something, I’ll have it. I can’t skip my mom’s pecan pie—it’s THE BEST.

 

Do you have a plan for Thanksgiving?

Walking a 5K Race & Inspired

We signed up for our annual 4th of July 5K towards the last minute. Last year, we signed up but weren’t able to make it. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was ready to participate in a 5K yet, but starting the Couch to 5K inspired me to sign up. Hubby has been wanting to run one by himself but always sticks with me, so I asked my dad if he wanted to walk with me this year and he agreed.

In the past, I have always done a walk/run or just run—but I have to say that I enjoyed walking the 5K probably more than I ever enjoyed running. It’s fun to try to get a new PR, but I had more fun just walking it this year.

This was my dad’s first 5K race and my first in a long time! I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to make it, but once we got started that worry faded away. My dad kept up the pace and I had to keep up with him! I tend to slow down as I go, so it was good that he kept up the pace. I enjoyed our conversation!

When we neared the finish line, my dad said we were going to finish arm and arm at the same time, so that’s what we did! We finished in 1 hour and 23 seconds. It didn’t matter that they had already taken down the finish line cones and that they were already announcing the winners. It wasn’t about winning.

Hubby finished in 33 minutes by doing a run/walk—I’m proud of him since he hasn’t run for a long time!

This was the first race where I truly felt that it didn’t matter how slow I was—the important thing was that I was out there and being active. The only one that I need to compete with is myself and it doesn’t matter that almost everyone else finished way before we did.

Lots of people on the race route encouraged us and told us we were doing way better than they were since they were just sitting in their lawn chairs and watching. I think it’s important for those of us who are overweight to just show up. I hope that maybe someone, who was just watching and thinking they could never do it, was inspired.

I was certainly inspired by the man who came in last (the only person who was after my dad and me). He was probably 500 lbs. and he walked by himself until the very end when I noticed a few kids went back and walked part of the way with him to help him finish.

He showed up and didn’t care what other people might think about him, or even if he did worry about it he didn’t let it stop him. I could tell that he was proud of himself for finishing. The look on his face told it all. It was so motivating to see him out there giving it his best. He proved that if you set your mind to something you can achieve anything.

Fitness is for everyone and it’s not all about competition—it’s about showing up and finishing.