Ever agree to something then wonder what the hell you were thinking? Well, that’s the situation in which I find myself. I agreed to walk the 5K Race for the Cure, or as I call it, the Stroll for the Cure, cause that’s what I plan to do. I am 49 and out of shape, so believe me, that’s the best plan. I have even raised money, so I can’t back out.
However, being the couch tater that I am, I have never done this sort of thing, so I have questions.
Is it ok to wear the race day tee shirt? I was given it in advance.
Should I carry water or is it likely to be provided? If I do carry it, how? As in, is a light backpack ok? And if so, anything else I should take?
Any etiquette I should know? The walkers are starting after the runners, so we will be out of their way.
Am I crazy to think I can do this? Has anyone ever died? Or even just wished they could die?
Yes, people die.Two died this week at a San Jose half-marathon. They claim this always is a pre-existing heart condition, but one that wouldn’t be known unless you foolishly went past your limits to an artificial goal. When you feel dead, slow down and then sit down and wait for recovery or an ambulance.
the first supraliminal is either not reading carefully or being deliberately obnoxious, but [mod tiara on] I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt here and assume it’s the former. [/mod tiara off]
There’s a significant difference between running 13 miles and walking three miles. You’re definitely not going to die. Take it easy, you’ll be fine. And congrats on doing it!
Almost all races, even a 5K will have at least one water stop.
Carry your own as a large race like this may make it hard to get to the water.
There are numerous fanny packs/belt pouches for carrying a bottle or two. Depending on weather, you might not even need any.
Thought on wearing the event shirt vary. For experienced runners, they usually will not wear the shirt for that day. A shirt from previous years or a different event is normal. Most runners who are racing generally wear technical fiber shirts anyway.
How dare you! If anyone is being deliberately obnoxious it is you. And your mod tiara! Anyone who declares herself out of shape should be wary of stress. And for the record, my own doctor will not let me go over one mile, but I have a slipped disc.
Here’s today’s cartoon on the subject of races for donations.
I’ve done 5km walks on many occasions, and have done the 60km two-day breast cancer walk twice. My 30-yr-old out-of-shape ass did FINE on all occasions. You just need to observe your limits and try not to let your pride goad you into keeping up with that perky blond twenty-something gym bunny who’s skipping ahead of you without breaking a sweat.
Death in a 5km walk/race event is… well… really really unlikely. What’s more common is dehydration, heat exhaustion and assorted sprains and muscle injuries, but even those are fairly rare for a short race like this.
The best way to make it across the finish line in half-decent shape is to:
Stretch thoroughly before setting out on your walk
Carry a water bottle so that you can drink along the way
Wear good supportive footwear that you’ve broken in well in advance.
Train yourself by taking walks - start by going around the block a couple of times, then go for longer and longer distances.
Pace yourself and take as many breaks as you need along the way. Just because it’s called a race doesn’t mean you have to treat it as one.
I’m assuming heat won’t be an issue at this time of year, which is a plus… but if it’s a hot day, make sure to wear a hat and keep drinking water.
There’s really nothing quite as wonderful as making it across the finish line and realising that you really really did it. You can totally do this!
Thanks for the encouragement. I was kidding about the dying part; I am much more worried that I will want to die if I have to take one…more…step. To add to that, I have pledged to not only do this, but to do it without complaining. I even have two witnesses walking with me.
I have been doing some half-assed training (walked 1.5 miles a couple of times) but since the race is two days away, it is too late for full-assed training. The 1.5 miles went fine. I was bored, but ok, and did it in about 30 minutes.
Sorry I misinterpreted your intentions – but to respond to someone who jokingly asked about dying in a 5K (three-mile) stroll by talking about people who actually died in a half-marathon (13-mile) run seemed like a ridiculous overreaction.
As I said, I wasn’t sure what your intentions were, so I didn’t issue a warning.
If you have anything further you want to say about this, feel free to open a thread in ATMB so we can stay on topic here.
Brynda – sounds like you’ve done some good preparation for this. Hopefully you and your witnesses can chat as you stroll and you won’t be too bored.
I’m doing it in Orlando, but it’s not until the 25th. I’m more worried about staying awake the whole time than dying on the course. Sign in is at 6:30!!!
Brynda - My mother, sister and aunt have had breast cancer. Thanks for walking. Of course, my sister, nephew and a different aunt have had thyroid cancer, 2 uncles have had colon cancer, an uncle & first cousin have had kidney cancer, my father died of lung cancer and my grandmother of pancreatic cancer, if you want to start marathon fund-walking…
I DID IT!!! I needed a three hour nap afterwards and my feet were killing me, but I did it! I am really proud of myself. We are already talking about doing it again next year.
